Force Escort Group celebrates 30th anniversary

The Traffic Formations not only enforce traffic laws and regulatory duties, but have also formed a group of elites - the Force Escort Group (FEG) - to perform escort duties.

The FEG is responsible for providing a high profile escort service to ensure the security of escort subjects and their timely arrival at destination. Whenever key political figures or VIPs of other places are in town, the FEG will arrange a motorcade to provide escort service with reference to protocol requirements and the status of the escortees.

OffBeat invited the Officer-in-Charge of the FEG, Superintendent (SP) Ho Ka-fei, and FEG members, Station Sergeant (SSGT) Hui Ngai-sang and Sergeant (SGT) Tse Wai-kit, to share with readers the role and experience of their volunteer work.

Security & punctuality are crucial

The FEG was formalised as a Volunteer Secondary Duty Cadre in 1986. The unit is commanded by a Superintendent, with a Chief Inspector as the second-in-command. Both of them are appointed by the Assistant Commissioner (Operations). Comprising over 60 members, the FEG is made up of one Headquarters Team and five Regional Teams. The Headquarters Team takes charge of administrative and training matters as well as the overall planning of operations while the Regional Teams carry out escort duties.

In the early years, the FEG mainly conducted escorts for the British Queen and other British Royal Members' visit to Hong Kong. Nowadays, the subjects of escort are much more diversified, covering national treasures, money, weapons as well as ammunition. Last year, the FEG was mobilised in more than 100 operations. SSGT Hui said, "The FEG works with other government departments to carry out tasks from time to time. For example, we assist the Correctional Services Department in escorting dangerous prisoners, clear the way for fire rescue teams in major disasters and assist the Hospital Authority in escorting dangerous materials."

Embracing challenges in time race

The work of FEG members mainly covers two aspects: clearing obstacles and cordoning off roads to ensure the arrival of the escorting vehicles to the destination on time, as well as protecting the escort subjects with motorcades. SP Ho stressed, "Most of the escort duties have to be kept confidential for security reasons. So FEG members are notified of the tasks at the last minute. Taking into consideration the time of the day and the traffic conditions, we have to work out the route of the motorcade and the contingency plans with pressing deadlines. Furthermore, we need to maintain speed while driving, keep the motorcade in good shape along the way, and respond to unexpected road conditions."

Turning to the key to conducting escort operations, SSGT Hui cited his most memorable task as an example. He explained, "Because of inclement weather and downpour on the operation day, the escort team changed the route and the escort motorcyclists drove with skills across tram tracks. Finally the escort subjects arrived safely at the venue on time. This illustrated that psychological qualities, driving skills and communication of FEG members are all vital to a successful operation."

Strict selection exercise

The FEG is open to application twice a year. The applicants must be incumbent traffic officers and have a minimum of two years of police motorcycling experience. The selection process covers a series of driving tests, such as a cone exercise. Officers who pass the selection process will attend a five-day FEG Motorcycle VIP Escort Training Course and an assessment in order to join the FEG. Meanwhile, serving FEG members attend a monthly thematic training day during which escort tactics are rehearsed and joint training with other frontline units may be conducted.

SGT Tse remarked, "Joining the FEG is an affirmation of our work performance and driving skills. When FEG members carry out escort duties, we represent the Force in receiving government leaders or VIPs. I felt much honoured to have taken part in escorting the Chinese Olympic Team in Hong Kong in August."

Work review & plans

As this year marks the 30th anniversary of the FEG, SP Ho commented, "FEG members have maintained a high level of professional service over the years. The team's equipment has improved to ensure the safety of FEG members and escort subjects. Moreover, the FEG has arranged members to attend exchange and training programmes in Canada, the United States, Singapore, Korea, Australia, the United Kingdom and the Mainland. Last November, I joined police officers in Canberra, Australia, to provide escorts for the Royal Visit of Prince Charles to the Australian Remembrance Day to learn about their escort tactics with a view to enhancing the professional capability of the FEG."

Looking ahead, the three officers said with increasing exchanges between Hong Kong and the rest of the world, the FEG would carry out different types of escort tasks. They emphasised that in addition to taking into consideration security, protocol and operational needs in future escort operations, the FEG would pay due regard to public expectations to minimise inconvenience to other road users.