With an aim to supporting and enhancing the rural patrol ability of frontline officers, the Quick Reaction Force of New Territories North (QRF NTN) held for the first time a five-day Functional Training Course for Instructors on April 26.

The course focused on the techniques of rural patrol, outdoor search, mountain rescue and use of rescue equipment. A total of 46 uniformed officers from various operational units of different Regions, including the Police Tactical Unit, Emergency Unit, Rural Patrol Unit and QRF NTN, took part in the training.

Arrangements were made for staff from the Immigration Department and the Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department to give a talk on immigration offences and illegal logging of incense trees respectively. A coach from China Hong Kong Mountaineering and Climbing Union was also invited to speak on hiking skills, map reading and the use of compass.

Participants who had completed the training are qualified as trainers and were awarded the "mountain craft level one" qualification, which would be recorded in the Personnel Information Communal System II. QRF NTN will run similar courses for other officers concerned.