PNC members train for demanding job
Members of the Police Negotiation Cadre (PNC) are performing a voluntary secondary duty, but this job is no less demanding than most other difficult police tasks. In each and every incident, the job calls for not only personal qualities, such as flexibility and patience, but also good listening and communication skills. Such skills only come with continuous training and the accumulation of experience.
The PNC regularly conducts in-house training to enhance the confidence and competence of its members. Each training schedule has a clear theme and objectives, and also usually includes case reviews and experience-sharing sessions.
The first quarterly training day this year took place recently at the new Executive Training Room of the Police College when seasoned PNC Negotiators gathered to discuss and share experiences on the topic of "The Role of Police Negotiators in Large-scale Public Order Events". Deputy Commissioner (Operations) Tang King-shing and Assistant Commissioner (Operations) Henrique Koo Sii-hong also joined the discussion forum.
In the morning session, Chief Inspector Gilbert Wong Kwong-hing introduced the structure, roles, responsibilities and experiences of the police negotiators who participated in the large-scale public order events during the recent Hong Kong Ministerial Conference (HKMC). During group discussions, PNC members highlighted the challenges and difficulties they encountered and the ways and means to resolve them. By sharing their experiences in a supportive and collaborative environment, they were able to positively reflect on their contribution with a view to further improve their skills in future.
PNC members were delighted with the positive feedback and input from Mr Tang and Mr Koo during the discussions. Mr Tang commented favourably on PNC members' excellent performances both before and during the HKMC. He also reminded them that their services might be required for large-scale public order events in the future.
In the afternoon session, Police Clinical Psychologist Edmond Lau discussed the psychological issues involved when dealing with similar large-scale operations and the steps that can be taken to immunise against stress and reduce Post-traumatic Stress Disorder symptoms. He also emphasised the need to develop self-help strategies to build up resilience in the face of traumatic situations.
The training session concluded with a closing address by OC PNC Peter Morgan, who placed on record his appreciation for the sterling work performed by PNC members throughout the past year. He also outlined a number of key initiatives and developments for the future, including a major PNC recruitment drive scheduled for later in the year.
PNC members never cease brushing up their skills