Kowloon East (KE) Region provided a one-day field training for officers to conclude Exercise BOLTRUNNER on September 8. The exercise aimed at enhancing communication and co-ordination among its units, as well as strengthening capability of officers in dealing with major incidents.

Exercise BOLTRUNNER has been conducted annually since 2016. To enhance the effectiveness of the training exercise, it has been developed from a one-day drill in 2016 and a two-day drill in 2017 to become a full-year programme in 2018. A series of tailor-made thematic workshops were conducted throughout the year for officers responsible for policing of major incidents and public events, and the field day on September 8 served as a finale to the programme.

Over 300 KE officers participated in the field day exercise at the Police Tactical Unit (PTU) Headquarters. The field day started with an experience-sharing session by a number of commanding officers. They spoke on the role and functions of a Forward Control Point in a major incident, drawing reference to the Operational Decision Model and KE Major Incident Regional Risk Register. Then District Commanders in KE led their respective teams to play the role of a Forward Control Point in a tabletop exercise, which simulated a serious traffic accident in which a double-decker bus collided with an oil truck on a major thoroughfare. The participants were tested for their responsiveness in the establishment of a Field Command, traffic control, casualty management and evacuation.

In the afternoon, the participants took part in a Public Event Exercise involving deployment of troops. The exercise simulated a public event concerning a controversial social issue and it eventually turned riotous. Officers of Emergency Unit and PTU of KE, and Evidence Gathering Teams of all Districts in KE used public order tactics to restore law and order.

KE Regional Commander Cheung Ching said the exercise succeeded in reinforcing the professional capabilities and co-ordination of KE Formations in the handling of critical incidents.