A Force-level Counter Terrorism (CT) exercise, codenamed STEELPICKER, was held at the Kai Tak Cruise Terminal on May 27. Co-ordinated by the Counter Terrorism and Internal Security (CTIS) Division of Operations Wing, the exercise had two main objectives: assessing the effectiveness of Force-level CT contingency response plans and procedures and the interface of frontline and CT units in conducting a CT operation, as well as heightening the overall CT awareness and readiness of Force formations through pre-exercise briefings.

It was a practical simulation exercise with the scenario of a terrorist incident and hostage taking at the Kai Tak Cruise Terminal. With the deployment of frontline officers, including Ngau Tau Kok Division, Emergency Unit (EU) Kowloon East (KE), Police Tactical Unit KE, Traffic KE, Marine Harbour Division and Small Boat Division, and the close co-operation and co-ordination with the Force's units with key CT responsibilities, including Special Duties Unit, Counter Terrorism Response Unit (CTRU) and Police Negotiation Cadre (PNC), the exercise offered a very good opportunity for the participating units to hone their skills in executing Kai Tak Cruise Terminal CT contingency response plans, involving command, control and co-ordination in a critical situation.

For community leaders to get a better idea of the Force's CT capabilities and for the benefit of other formations, Fight Crime Committee members, representatives from the Counter Terrorism Emergency Co-ordination Team, and other Major Formations were invited to observe the exercise.

The Exercise Director, CTIS Division Superintendent (SP) Thomas Wong said the exercise was ultimately designed to enhance the co-ordination of frontline and CT units to ensure an overall understanding of the approach to such an incident. The commitment of all the participating formations allowed a thorough review of a wide range of operational protocols and a better understanding of the challenges of a co-ordinated response.