World first for Police tactical training complex
Hong Kong Police have started to use a state-of-the-art Tactical Training
Complex (TTC) - the first of its kind in the world.
The new two-storey complex provides a variety of simulated Hong Kong locations, such as public housing flats, train carriages, shopping malls and street-side eating stalls.
Police Commissioner Tsang Yam-pui and Director of Architectural Services Pau Shiu-hung opened the 6,655 square metre complex at the Police Training School (PTS) on November 16.
"This magnificent complex, the first of its kind in the world, symbolises the Hong Kong Police Force's commitment to introducing new technologies as well as our continuing drive towards enhanced professionalism and greater efficiency," said Mr Tsang.
He said a training demonstration on opening day testified to the Force's determination to move ahead with times and to provide more sophisticated training facilities.
PTS Chief Drill and Musketry Inspector Cliff Chow Kwok-kee said: "This is a fantastic new complex which will definitely enhance tactical training not only for PTS trainees but all other Force members who use it. We have longed for a facility of this world-class standard for many years."
The TTC features replicas of typical Hong Kong streets and buildings, observation walkways and CCTV facilities that allow training officers to monitor and record the performance of trainees.
Briefing and debriefing areas, classrooms and offices are also included.
The TTC provides a realistic environment for multi-faceted training including the tactical approach to the use of force and firearms. Trainees are taught tactics for dealing with armed or dangerous individuals and suspects in streets, buildings or vehicles.
The TTC is divided into five major training zones: commercial area, residential area, Mass Transit Railway station, urban park area and staircase tower.
These zones feature mock shops, stalls, a restaurant, a bank, residential units, MTR platform and train compartments, staircases of a public housing estate, a playground and lift lobbies.
Wireless-controlled pop-up targets and adjustable lighting to simulate day and night conditions are available. With movable partitions, the complex can be compartmentalised into different training areas to meet various training objectives.
PTS Commandant Paul Hung Hak-wai said the TTC, one of the most advanced such facilities in the world, would greatly enhance training.
"The new training complex was needed because the previous facilities were inadequate. If we wanted to conduct an exercise in a certain scenario, say a bank or an MTR station, it was impossible to find a suitable location which could provide a realistic environment," he said.
"Our staff could only take simple props onto modified squash courts or soccer fields. There were space constraints and it affected realism and trainees' concentration during tactical training because they had to imagine the scenario while practising tactical techniques.
"With the new facility, our trainees can practise various tactics in different mock scenarios regardless of the weather."
Mr Hung stressed that proper tactical training, which included approaching suspects, application of resistance control techniques, apprehending criminals, finding suitable cover and engaging targets with marking ammunition, was essential for all officers.
"Tactical training enhances officers' capabilities to be in control in various situations and to minimise injuries," he said.
"On average, the PTS provides at least 50,000 hours of tactical training each year to all new recruits and attendees of continuation and promotion courses. A purpose-built training facility was thus needed to meet the great demand.
"The staff of the PTS, Planning and Development Branch, Weapons Training Division and Architectural Services Department have put in a lot of effort since construction of the TTC commenced in late 1999 and it is a pleasing result to all to see it finally become a reality."
Ends/Wednesday, November 21, 2001
