2 Photos
Sham Shui Po District (SSPODIST) and the Correctional Services Department (CSD) jointly conducted an emergency response and counter-terrorism (CT) exercise codenamed “SOUNDWIN” on October 29. The exercise aimed to assess different units’ interoperability and effectiveness in handling emergencies, enhance officers’ situation appreciation and sensitivity, and strengthen communication and coordination between the Force and CSD.
The exercise was conducted in various locations in SSPODIST, including the Lai Chi Kok Reception Centre (LCKRC), public area of the Tai Hang Tung Estate and the Shek Kip Mei Reporting Centre. Frontline and auxiliary officers of SSPODIST, the Emergency Unit of Kowloon West (EU KW), the Police Tactical Unit (PTU) of KW, CSD’s Regional Response Teams and LCKRC officers participated in the exercise. The Commissioner of Police Mr Siu Chak-yee and the Commissioner of Correctional Services Mr Woo Ying-ming observed the exercise on scene.
The scenarios of the exercise were designed based on real cases happened in the community and CSD institutions. The exercise stimulated a syndicate of extremists planning a bomb attack in LCKRC, during which some extremists distributed leaflets to promote violence while suspicious objects were found in public areas and LCKRC. The Force and CSD activated contingency plans to handle the emergency. The exercise strengthened the collaboration between the two departments in CT matters.
Through participating in the exercise, auxiliary officers of SSPODIST and mentees of the Police Mentorship Programme (PMP) learnt about the contingency plans of frontline officers during emergencies. Apart from observing the tactics and coordination of various units, PMP mentees also gained a better understanding of the roles of Patrol Sub-unit, EU, PTU and other units in dealing with emergencies. Junior Police Call members also acted as citizens in the exercise. The exercise deepened their understanding of police work and CT measures so that they would know how to respond and protect others’ safety in emergencies.
