The Force Search Unit (FSU) has been running a Diploma Programme in "Police Search and Venue Security" (PSVS) since 2010. The programme is validated by the Hong Kong Council for Accreditation of Academic and Vocational Qualifications (HKCAAVQ) at Qualifications Framework (QF) Level 3.

 

To-date, a total of 116 officers have enrolled in the Diploma Programme and so far 26 of them have graduated. Upon successful completion of the programme, graduates may continue with tertiary studies for their lifelong learning goals and personal developments. Since its inception, the programme has proved to be very successful in raising the personal and professional qualities of FSU officers. 

 

With the validation of the programme from HKCAAVQ lasting for four years, Key Points and Search (KPS) Division began work on gaining revalidation for another four years. After a great deal of hard work in the past nine months, the revalidation of the Diploma Programme was completed early this year and its validity period has now been extended to the end of 2017. 

 

Besides the revalidation, FSU has also taken the initiative to explore the application of Behaviour Observation Technique (BOT) for strengthening security screening at venues of major events. As a result, a new Certificate Programme in BOT was also validated by the HKCAAVQ and successfully accredited at QF Level 3 early this year. The Certificate Programme will be provided to FSU cadre members as well as other appropriate frontline units. A BOT Train-the-Trainers Course will also be conducted to provide a pool of trainers for the Certificate Programme. 

 

Speaking of the hard work of FSU officers to obtain revalidation of the Diploma Programme and validation of the BOT Certificate Programme, Senior Superintendent Lee Kiu-ki, Chairman of the Training Quality Assurance Committee of the Diploma Programme, and former KPS Superintendent, commented: "The successful revalidation of the Diploma Programme and validation of the new Certificate Programme are milestones for FSU. Over the past few years, FSU gained a great deal of valuable knowledge and developed numerous good practices from the many operations and major events that it mobilised for. Through the Diploma Programme, these experiences have been consolidated, developed and passed on to the next generation of the unit in a professional and academic manner. At the same time, the hands on practical training, which is so important for Police officers, has also be retained."

 

Superintendent Tang Chi-ming, who will be running the BOT Train-the-Trainers Course, added: "The BOT Certificate Programme further reinforces the professionalism of FSU and the support that it provides for frontline units during operations. Although the Certificate Programme can be taught as a stand-alone subject, it will be incorporated into the Diploma Programme curriculum to make it even more comprehensive. The programme will offer exciting opportunities for those interested and it is the first time the Force offers such training." 

 

With the revalidation of the Diploma Programme in PSVS and the validation of the BOT Certificate Programme, FSU has raised the bar again in terms of the professional services they offer. Officers interested in applying to join the unit may contact KPS Station Sergeant on 2860-2195 or by PEN to ssgt-kps-ops for more details.