Briefing Support Unit makes models to facilitate police work

The Police Force set up the Briefing Support Unit (BSU) in 1988 to develop different types of stereoscopic models of important landmarks with reference to maps and floor plans so as to tie in with counter-terrorist operational strategies and training needs. Nowadays, the BSU mainly creates scale models to assist in criminal investigation and court hearing of major cases.

Comprising 22 officers under the command of a Superintendent (SP), the BSU members are grouped into two teams, each of which is led by a Chief Inspector. They are called in for the secondary duty if required. In this issue, OffBeat invited the Officer-in-Charge of the BSU, SP Ku Chin-pang, and several members, Senior Inspector Chan Shun-wei, Station Sergeant Kwan Wing-tat, Sergeant Cheung Kai-ho and Police Constable Leung Man-hei, to share the work of the cadre with readers.

Showing their strengths to collaborate

The BSU members have excellent skills in building models, and all the interviewees of this story have their unique strength. Mr Chan is a degree-holder in architecture with remarkable computer graphic skills while Mr Kwan is attentive to details when making models. Mr Cheung is resourceful in developing methods and finding materials for building models, and Mr Leung is good at conducting field studies and collecting information for creating models.

Mr Ku said, "Whenever a task is received, the cadre members who are experienced in gathering information would arrive at the scene first to take photographs. They undertake a survey of the site and pull a measuring tape to measure the objects to ensure that the finished model would reflect the real picture of the structure. With reference to the information collected, some other members would choose the materials and methods for developing the model. Then the members would make use of their expertise to build a precise and detailed model."

It can be seen that the steps for the BSU to create a model are correlated and they need to seek the support of other parties for their work. Mr Leung said, "During the process of collecting information, the members will have to seek the consent of the parties concerned to conduct a site visit, and also solicit the assistance of the Housing Department, other government departments or private organisations in obtaining the building plans so as to get a clear understanding of the structure to make a scale model."

United in creating models

Mr Chan said, "The complexity of each model depends on the situation of the site and the requirements of the investigation team. The cadre members have to be 'focused and cautious' in the production stage to meet the standard and ensure that the model reflects the physical condition of the structure. In addition, the members have to make sure that all parts of the model are in proportion for fabrication in the final stage. This requires good communication skills and team spirit."

Mr Cheung also shared his experience as follows, "We often have to be creative and look for different materials to replace the original building materials in a bid to show the physical characteristics of the real structure. For example, in the process of creating a model of a metal house, we use corrugated fiberboard, which is elastic and looks like the original iron sheet of the house. We also spray-paint the model house in brown to give it a rusty appearance." He added that he would spend his leisure time to go to household stores with his family to look for the best building materials for processing.

Supporting criminal investigation to find out the truth

The BSU had made many models for the investigation of a number of catastrophic incidents with a view to assisting the parties concerned to find out the truth of the matter as soon as possible. They showed two models for this interview to illustrate their work: a model of stalls at the Number 4 alarm fire at Garden Street in 2011, and another model of a hot-air balloon at the Luxor incident in Egypt in 2013.

Mr Kwan, who has served in the BSU for the longest period, explained how a model could assist in the investigation of a case, "A solid model could help witnesses grasp the key points of the case, and give clear and accurate evidence in court." Mr Ku added, "With the aid of a solid model, the jury could better understand the case, thus speeding up the progress of the court proceedings, wishing the deceased to rest in peace and alleviating the sorrow of his family and friends."

Developing their interest to serve the Force

The BSU will start another round of recruitment in the second half of 2017. The selection process will take into consideration the character of applicants and test their knowledge and creativity of model-making. The applicants should be interested in creating models or have the relevant experience, such as architectural knowledge, carpentry or hydropower skills. Officers who have passed the selection test are required to attend induction training and regular refresher training courses to maintain a high level of modelling skills.

Mr Kwan commented, "The BSU enables me to develop my interest in model-making to serve the Force. As there is no directive handbook for us to follow, we have to discuss the best way to conduct the task. We start from zero to reshape the major structure of an incident. The production process is not only challenging, but also immensely rewarding."

Way forward

The BSU is committed to enhancing the skills of the members to lend full support to police work. Looking ahead, Mr Ku remarked, "In the coming year, the BSU will arrange for members to attend exchange programmes and training activities in the Mainland and locally. We shall also procure equipment in a bid to apply three-dimensional printing in model-making." In conclusion, the five interviewees hoped that the BSU would pass on their expertise to new members through recruitment and training to cope with upcoming challenges.