Barnsey's bonus: Crime HQ SP Peter Barnes with his FBI National Academy Programme graduation certificate

A Force officer led others from 24 areas to pay tribute to fallen police recently in Washington D.C.

Giving a speech at the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial, which honours the 14,000 American officers who have died in the line of duty since 1794, Crime Wing Headquarters Superintendent Peter Barnes told the 400-strong gathering that law enforcement officers were one big global family.

He said officers from around the world joined their American colleagues in taking very seriously, their pledge to fulfil their duties in protecting people's lives.

"We may all police different areas and communities, but we have many similarities. Across the world all departments endeavour to do a difficult job in sometimes difficult circumstances.

"All of us have lost colleagues who have given their lives whilst protecting their communities, and our shared remembrance of them, and our resolve to continue their work, are further bonds that bind us together. We international officers are grateful to have been invited to become part of the American Law Enforcement family. As part of this family, we also pay our respects."

Mr Barnes was one of the 25 overseas officers who graduated from the FBI National Academy Programme at Quantico, Virginia, on June 8. They included officers from Indonesia, Bosnia, Lithuania, Germany, Spain and the United Kingdom.

The programme consisted of 10 weeks of advanced legal, investigative, management and fitness training, provided by FBI academy instructors, special agents and others.

The courses included evidentiary photography, mass media and the police, microcomputers for managers, gangs and criminal behaviour, fitness, basics in criminal justice research, and forensic science for police administrators and managers.

"Most interesting was the forensic science and media studies, particularly the former which covered techniques for lifting fingerprints left on bodies and bite-mark evidence," Mr Barnes said.

"You are also put through tough physical training which culminates in a three-mile obstacle course known as the Yellow Brick Road, and everyone who completes it receives a yellow brick as an award!

"However, the highlight for me was the networking - making good contacts with some 250-plus officers from across the globe. The FBI is one of the most recognised law enforcement bodies in the world with specialised techniques and knowledge, which is why this course is so popular with overseas agencies."

Some 44 Hong Kong officers have attended the course, most recently fellow SP Crime Leo Lau Chun-keung and Mong Kok Assistant District Commander, Crime, Gavin Brown.



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