NTS, NTN hold Cross-Region Exercise
New Territories South (NTS) and New Territories North (NTN) carried out on April 1 a Cross-Region Exercise, codenamed "WESTWOOD", with a view to enhancing the capabilities of frontline units and Regional Command and Control Centre New Territories (RCCC NT) to handle serious incidents. Another objective was to strengthen inter-unit co-ordination.
After committing a serious crime, culprits might make their getaway by using Hong Kong's efficient transport network, and their escape routes might traverse both NTS and NTN Regions. Exercise "WESTWOOD" originated from the concept of Operation "EXIGENT" therefore involved major "players" from Emergency Units in NTS and NTN, RCCC NT, traffic formations, districts and divisions to test their capabilities to respond to incidents.
The exercise was divided into two phases, starting with a simulated incident, in which a robbery involving a cash escort vehicle occurred in Tai Po and the culprits were fleeing in a vehicle towards NTS Region. The first phase focused on testing the communication and co-ordination between RCCC NT and frontline units in locating the getaway vehicle. The second phase was conducted at Perowne Camp in Tuen Mun, where officers from EU NTS and NTN dealt with various scenarios, including "Tactical approach to suspects and suspicious vehicle"; "Area cordon and sweep"; "Highrise"; "Room entry and sweep" and "Actions at the scene of bombs".
The Exercise Director, NTS Senior Superintendent (Operations) Matthew Hemmings observed the exercise at Perowne Camp, together with the EU Superintendents of both Regions. Impressed with the response capability and tactical application of the participating officers, Mr Hemmings noted: "By holding cross-region exercises of this nature, the existing systems and procedures would be effectively tested and improved to meet changing needs."
Officers
deal
with various scenarios at Perowne Camp