New Territories North (NTN) Region hosted an inter-departmental exercise, codenamed "FIRESWEEPER", on December 11 to strengthen the interoperability of the Force and the Fire Services Department (FSD) in handling major incidents.

The exercise simulated a leakage of cyanide gas at a vehicle compound of a logistics company in Tai Po, resulting in contamination of more than 20 workers and passers-by. The Police quickly arrived at the scene to handle the incident whilst the Hazardous Materials Team of FSD carried out decontamination of the affected persons. Under the scenario of the preoccupation of Tai Po District (TPDIST) with another critical incident, the Field Command Team of NTN Region was mobilised to take charge of rescue work at the site. Officers also conducted casualty documentation and crowd management in a simulated hospital nearby.

A total of 280 officers from the Field Command Team, the Operations Wing, the Emergency Unit, the Police Tactical Unit, the Quick Reaction Force, the Traffic Unit, the Crime Unit, the Regional Command and Control Centre, TPDIST, the Explosive Ordnance Disposal Bureau, the Police Public Relations Branch and the FSD took part in the exercise.

The exercise enhanced the capabilities and co-ordination of the Force and the FSD in handling major incidents.