Kowloon East (KE) Region staged an annual Exercise BOLTRUNNER in a bid to strengthen the operational efficiency and co-ordination capacity of its units in handling public events.

During the first phase of the exercise in May, a tabletop exercise was conducted to test communication and co-operation among frontline officers in District Operations Rooms and KE Operations Room in handling public events.

The second phase of the exercise took place on October 14, during which a field practice was held at the Fire and Ambulance Services Academy in Tseung Kwan O. The field exercise featured a group of protesters staging demonstrations in a number of places in KE, and these public events eventually developed into chaotic and confrontational situations. Various police units, including KE Emergency Unit, Police Tactical Unit G Company and Evidence Gathering Teams (EGTs) of Tseung Kwan O District, Kwun Tong District, Sau Mau Ping District and Wong Tai Sin District, immediately responded to restore order in these places. Incident Commanders from different Districts took turns to lead and participate in the exercise under the guidance of Commander of KE Regional Response Contingent James Betts.

Prior to the exercise, KE Operations Wing held a half-day workshop for EGT members to enhance their professional knowledge and skills in gathering evidence.

KE Regional Commander Ho Yuen-ha and other commanding officers in the Region shared their observations with the participants. The exercise consolidated the participating officers' professional competence and tested their knowledge in assessing changing situations in public events and deploying manpower in a timely manner to address the situation.