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To better prepare frontline officers for responding to incidents with fleeing vehicles in New Territories North (NTN) Region, Operations Wing of NTN and Traffic NTN conducted a series of exercises codenamed HANGNEEDLE between August and September to enhance the command, control and management of high speed pursuits by the Police.
The exercises on August 17 and 27 simulated the activation of Operation EXIGENT, with actual police deployment for a getaway vehicle travelling at normal speed. The Regional Command and Control Centre of New Territories (RCCC NT) was tested on its deployment of officers to observation posts to track the fleeing vehicle as well as its coordination, command and control of various units. After conducting risk assessment, the RCCC NT decided to cease the pursuit when the situation became dangerous for police officers and other road users. Officers of the Emergency Unit of NTN, Traffic NTN and different police districts also took the opportunities to enhance their response capability and hone their coordination and communication skills. To enhance the effectiveness of Exercise HANGNEEDLE, rounds of seminars were held to increase officers’ knowledge of high speed pursuits and vehicle interception such that they may execute their duties safely.
Exercise HANGNEEDLE was successful in raising officers’ awareness of relevant orders, manuals and procedures. It highlighted areas for improvement such as means and ways for better coordination between the RCCC NT and different units, and the skills for continual risk assessment and implementation of risk control measures whenever Operation EXIGENT is mounted.
