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Members of the Special Duties Unit (SDU) are highly trained, always prepared and well equipped to carry out their mission on land, sea or in air.

Eager to dispel the public's distorted cinematic impression of SDU as being populated by a bunch of trigger-happy would-be "Rambos", the first non-expatriate Commanding Officer of the SDU Police Superintendent (SP) Danko Au Yeung was quick to point out that, "We're not a killing machine. We aim more for containment of a hostile crisis first and then try to resolve it through the application of an appropriate level of force. Lethal action is resorted to only if there are no other options. But I really would like the public to get to know more of the many non-combat services we render to the people in need."

"SDU members on duty are not always armed to the teeth, especially when they are on a mission of mercy. For instance, they are called upon to help evacuate villagers stranded by flood waters in the New Territories and provide emergency medical treatment to victims of natural disasters.

"Their special training allowed them to help in recovering bodies or potential evidence of crime from seabeds. And they provide the security backup for important visiting dignitaries. These and other low profile duties do not seem to catch the public's imagination as they are done without much fanfare," said the 42 year-old officer who easily looks at least 10 years younger and goes through the same arduous training regimen as his assault team members.

Commenting on the SDU's intimidating entry requirements, SP Au Yeung said, "It's true that in the past, some promising officers with good potential were deterred from applying by the stringent physical fitness required of candidates. We now realize that the physical aspect can be trained up as long as they met certain minimum standards. We have since attached greater importance to a candidate's emotional maturity and psychological stability."

Nicknamed the "Flying Tigers", the SDU has come a long way since its establishment in 1974 and initially staffed by a handful of police officers who volunteered to serve in the unit, using stock police weapons and equipment.

The size of SDU remains a mystery but SP Au Yeung assures that there will be sufficient officers to cope with multiple situations. Equipped with the latest weaponry, they are trained to carry out their mission in all types of terrain and diverse urban environment.

Each SDU member expends thousands of rounds of ammunition annually to sharpen their marksmanship in shooting their pistol, sub-machinegun and sniper rifle. They are also adept in handling explosives and underwater engagements.

Over the years, by dint of hard work through constant self-improvement and a willingness to engage in professional exchanges and joint exercises with its overseas counterparts, as well as the high standard it imposed on its members' performance, the SDU has acquired a status as one of the most respected anti-terrorism units in the world.

"Our good standing among our peer groups did not come easy," mused the nine-year SDU veteran, adding that the unit had received invitations to train with their overseas counterparts.

"There are a number of factors that contributed to the SDU's excellence. Foremost of which should be our willingness to keep upgrading the training syllabus, to cross train with other elite police units overseas, our readiness to try new initiatives, and the importance we attached to internal communication, which translates into high morale and our high cohesiveness as a team. By the way, we have no place for aggressive guys out for personal glory.

"Of no less importance is our access to the best equipment that money can buy. All of these conditions allowed us to maintain a high-level of operational readiness," said the laid-back 22-year police veteran who adamantly refused to compare his unit with other foreign elite forces, despite the wall of plaques of appreciation from elite police units overseas, providing a ringing endorsement of the SDU's high standing and professionalism.

"It's difficult to compare because the SDU's charter extends beyond what most other elite police units are required to undertake.

"Most other police units are also not trained to launch their assaults by air, sea and land or to conduct underwater searches and other missions," said SP Au Yeung, who has one elder brother also serving in the Hong Kong Police Force.

When reminded that Hong Kong has long enjoyed a reputation as one of the safest cities in the world, the heavily muscled officer replied, "Although there is no current intelligence warning of an impending terrorist threat, we must never become complacent. Terrorists usually strike when they are least expected. We would prefer to remain vigilant in exchange for enhanced security."

"I believe the SDU serve a vital function as deterrence. With the assurance that they would be dealt with severely, terrorists would think twice before they carry out their dastardly acts in Hong Kong. It's like maintaining a strong army to deter would-be foreign invaders. We maintain a good edge to our swords, but we hope to never having to use it," he added.

Outside SP Au Yeung's office hangs a plaque that says, "Terrorism Is The Threat; We Are The Answer".

All SDU candidates must be serving police officers. They are first put through a four-day basic selection process where their physical and intellectual potential are assessed. Once the initial hurdle is passed, they are admitted into the six-week build-up training program, which covers physical fitness, weapons handling, basic close quarter battle training and basic operational tactics.

Survivors of this program are then inducted into the seven-day advanced selection process where they are rated for their leadership skill, independence of character, physical fitness and given a review of their overall skills.

The final stage is the SDU's advanced counter-terrorism training course lasting for five months.

Members train at the SDU's headquarters shared with the Police Tactical Unit in Fanling.

With the apparent satisfaction of someone who had found his calling, SP Au Yeung said, "I urge fellow officers who possess the potential to try for a place in the SDU, especially if they are in the lookout for a diversity of challenges, outdoor work and in-door lessons, close team work, plenty of opportunities for self-improvement and career advancement, as well as to serve the greater community. For I have been able to enjoy all of these and more."

Police Report No. 4

Issued by PPRB

End/1345 hours, Sunday, February 10, 2002

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