Officers fearing Special Duties Unit training is too tough now have more reason than ever to join thanks to a new programme optimising physical fitness.

SDU are offering a six-month fitness training programme to start next month and finish in time for the next batch of selections in March.

Held the second and fourth week of each month, on Saturday mornings at the Police Sports and Recreation Club and the Police Tactical Unit Headquarters, the attendance is regarded as duty commitment and the programme has been endorsed by the Director of Operations.

The sessions cater specifically to men and women Inspectors and Senior Inspectors aiming for a place in SDU, by ensuring they are fit enough for the rigours of the elite Unit's work. There is a quota of 15 officers for the programme and they will be medically examined before training starts.

SDU Commanding Officer Superintendent Danko Au Yeung said the scheme was set up after surveys found officers were reluctant to apply for the Unit due to the fitness requirements.

"The top deterring factor was they felt they were not physically fit enough and fitness requirements were too demanding. But by attending this new programme, officers will have a better idea of the level of fitness required while strengthening their health at the same time. More importantly, they will learn the correct way to exercise and how to reach selection standards," SP Au Yeung said.

"We know there are a lot of very capable officers with good leadership skills out there, but they never think of joining SDU due to the fitness aspects. However with changes to selection criteria last year, more emphasis is now put on mental attributes and less on fitness, so they should apply."

He added training advice would also be offered by instructors so officers could work on their strengths and weaknesses in their own time.

"We can also spell out clearly what our fitness requirements are and clear up any misunderstandings on the selection process and help officers be better prepared for selection. This barrier of high fitness which officers think they cannot reach can actually be overcome."

Nicknamed the Flying Tigers, SDU has been popular with officers with its top international reputation and excellent training in specialist skills.

However, Mr Au Yeung said some officers had the misconception the Unit could not provide good promotion opportunities.

"I can quote myself as an example. I joined the Unit in 1989 as the SIP Administration. When I looked at the Unit I thought I could never be good or fit enough to pass the selection process and just joined on the admin side.

"But then I had an inside look and I became very interested in an SDU operational job, not because of the excitement but because of the specialist skills which I could learn and the top team spirit that I could be a part of. This motivated me to attend selection in 1991 but I injured my knees and had to pull out. But as the job was so interesting I kept training and was selected in 1992.

"After six months training I became an Assault Group Leader. I was promoted to Chief Inspector commanding an Assault Team in 1995 before becoming the Unit's Second-in-Command in 1996.

"After being posted out for two years, I then returned as OC. So the Unit has been excellent for my career with the specialist skills I've learned and the exposure to unique operations and overseas specialist units. The Unit's training prepares officers in all forms of professional policing, particularly in planning and heading operations."

SP Au Yeung added that over the last couple of years, a pair of SDU SIPs were promoted to Chief Inspectors.

SDU's specialist skills included firearms, close-quarter battle, climbing, demolition, first aid, breaking in, diving, abseiling and sniping.

The application deadline for the fitness course is the end of August. A PEN message would soon be circulated with application forms attached.

SP Au Yeung welcomed officers with enquiries on the programme and general SDU recruitment to contact him on 2669-6270.

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