The annual refresher training cum the 5th anniversary ceremony of the Force Media Liaison Cadre (FMLC) was held at the Hong Kong Auxiliary Police Force Headquarters on February 8 and 9. Deputy Commissioner (Operations) (DCP OPS) Siu Chak-yee officiated at the event and presented prizes to winners of the FMLC logo design competition. The event was attended by around 110 FMLC officers.

DCP OPS mentioned that throughout Operation TIDERIDER, FMLC officers acted as mediators between the Police and journalists to ease the tension proactively at scene and ensure frontline officers would not be disrupted by overwhelming press activities or enquires.

The FMLC was established as one of the Force’s volunteer secondary duty cadres in December 2015. In May 2020, the Police Public Relations Branch (PPRB) established the FMLC secretariat commanded by a Superintendent for coordinating all matters related to FMLC and the cadre size of FMLC was expanded to over 300 officers. In 2020, the total person-times of FMLC turnout was over 6 000.

The FMLC will continue to provide support to frontline officers in policing operations and serve as a bridge between the Police and the media. The FMLC will also provide training courses for different police units, with a view to further enhancing the professional knowledge and media handling skills of officers.

Deputy Commissioner (Operations) Siu Chak-yee (second right) expresses his appreciation to FMLC officers.

Around 110 FMLC officers attend the annual refresher training cum the 5th anniversary ceremony.