The Open Day also acted as a fundraiser, collecting about $800,000 for the Community Chest's charities, supported by the Chest and the Hang Seng Bank.

The event started with an opening ceremony in the morning and subsequently over 2,300 visitors enjoyed performances by the Police Dog Unit, PTU Foxtrot Company and the ever-popular "Flying Tigers" of the Special Duties Unit. Static displays of PTU vehicles and equipment also caught the fancy of many visitors.

Speaking at the opening ceremony, Commissioner Tang King-shing pointed out that the "Blue Berets" had become a familiar sight to members of the public. Following 12 weeks' vigorous training at the PTU Headquarters, PTU officers are deployed to Regions for a 40-week tour of duty, ready to carry out crowd management and internal security tasks, as well as to provide logistic support during disasters and emergencies.

Mr Tang further emphasised that the Force is committed to promoting community policing, by enlisting the participation of the public. Additionally, through co-operation with private and community organisations the Force was participating in various fundraising activities for charity.

"We're very glad that whilst raising funds with the support of the Community Chest, we were able to show PTU's work and training to the public and those people supporting the causes of the Community Chest," he noted.

CP later joined VIP guests in sampling the famous PTU curry during a fundraising lunch in the PTU Officers' Mess.

For their help ensuring the success of the Charity Open Day, PTU Commandant has extended sincere thanks to Vice Chairman and Chief Executive of Hang Seng Bank, Mrs Margaret Leung, and representatives of the Community Chest, including its Fundraising Organising Committee Chairman, Mr Kwok Siu-ming.

These youngsters show a great interest in the Blue Berets' work and equipment

The PTU Open Day helps narrow the gap between the Police and both local and NEC youths

A police dog goes through its paces on the Open Day

Action completed easily

The PTU Foxtrot Company giving a demonstration

Both CP and PTU Commandant are grateful to guests for taking part in an auction for charity