With an aim to enhancing frontline officers' rural patrol ability, the Quick Reaction Force of New Territories North (QRF NTN) held a five-day Functional Training Course for nurturing tutors at NTN Regional Headquarters from September 11. A total of 64 Uniform Branch officers from operational units of different Regions, including the Police Tactical Unit, Emergency Unit, Rural Patrol Unit and QRF, participated in the training.

The course focused on the techniques of rural patrol, outdoor search, mountain rescue and use of rescue equipment. Guest speakers from the Immigration Department and Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department gave a talk on immigration offences and illegal logging of incense trees respectively. Meanwhile, a coach from China Hong Kong Mountaineering and Climbing Union was invited to speak on hiking skills, map reading and the use of compass.

Participants who completed the training are qualified as tutors and were awarded the "Mountain craft level-one" qualification, which would be recorded in the Personnel Information Communal System II. QRF NTN will continue to run similar courses for other frontline officers.