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In 2020, the Independent Police Complaints Council (IPCC) published the Thematic Study Report on the Public Order Events arising from the Fugitive Offenders Bill since June 2019 and the Police Actions in Response(the Report). To actively follow up with the recommendations put forward in the Report, the Force has set up five subgroups, whose areas of work include “Enhancing public information dissemination and media relations”, “Reviewing the guidelines on the use of force”, “Improving the arrangements for Temporary Holding Areas”, “Enhancing Police operational planning and strategies” and “Strengthening of Police’s internal management, coordination and training”.
To facilitate IPCC’s understanding on measures relating to “Reviewing the guidelines on the use of force”, Complaints Against Police Office (CAPO) and Police Tactical Unit (PTU) invited the IPCC Chairperson Ms Wong Pui-sze and a delegation of 11 IPCC members, accompanied by Director of Management Services Lam Hiu-tong and Director of Operations Chan Joon-sun, to visit PTU Headquarters on May 30, 2022.
Chief Superintendent of PTU Chan Kin-kwok introduced to the delegation a range of measures implemented over the past two years, which included enhancing riot training for frontline officers, strengthening command and coordination ability in tackling riots, and enhancing the dissemination of information to public in riotous situations.
Furthermore, the PTU instructors displayed to the delegation a variety of new protective equipment and less-lethal weapons, and explained in detail the principles and guidelines on the use of force, and the operational strategies and training measures on tackling public disorder incidents. The instructors further demonstrated the scenario-based training to teach the trainees proper application of tactics and force when conducting dispersal and arrest operations during large-scale disturbances. During the exercise, the Force Media Liaison Cadre showed the skills of coordinating with media reporters at the scene and facilitating their work without hindering police operations.
Four IPCC members took part in the exercise with full riot gear to experience first-hand the challenges faced by frontline officers when dealing with riotous situations to further understand the officers’ work. Ms Wong Pui-sze said that the Force dedicated efforts to implementing the recommendations in the Report. The visit not only allowed the members to understand police operation against public disorder, but also assisted them to discharge their duty in adjudicating complaints.
