It is the first time such a training course was run, with tuition provided by the Acting Chief Chemist, Dr Lawrence Kwok, and his team from the Government Laboratory, using the facilities at the Police Driving and Traffic Training Division in Fanling.

The course comprised three modules over a total of five days, and the content included tutorials and practical exercises on theories of forensic reconstruction of traffic accidents; investigation skills at scenes of traffic accidents, and procedures in collating evidence. The investigators also took practical tests on their skills of forensic reconstruction of traffic accidents.

The Assistant Government Chemist, Mr Tsui Pui, and Chief Superintendent (CSP) Traffic Mike Demaid-Groves presented certificates of attendance to the investigators during a ceremony in the Arsenal House Multi-purpose Hall on July 27.

CSP Demaid-Groves emphasised that the public expected professional and thorough investigations after serious and fatal traffic accidents occurred. With a number of recent tragic accidents on the roads having given rise to public interest, investigators had to not only ensure impartial prosecutions against those responsible, but also identify the causation factors so that steps can be taken to prevent similar accidents.

He also took the opportunity to thank Mr Tsui, Dr Kwok and his team for their support. Government Chemists were no strangers to the Force's traffic accident investigators because they had assisted in the investigations of many serious traffic accidents over the years, CSP Demaid-Groves noted.

The forensic course is part of an ongoing initiative to enhance the professionalism, efficiency and capability of the Force's traffic accident investigation units. Training has also been provided on the skills and procedures required for video-recorded interviews in preparation for cases to be heard in District Court and the Court of First Instance. Court prosecutors from the Department of Justice have attended seminars designed to enhance their understanding of traffic enforcement and accident investigation for the benefit of their jobs in court.

Accident investigators were provided with 3G phones in June this year to improve communication with Government Chemists. They can now transmit images from the scene of a serious traffic accident to the chemists who can offer advice and assistance.

CSP Demaid-Groves discusses forensic training for traffic officers with the guest speakers