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Untimely death DEAR SIR, I was shocked and saddened to hear of the sudden and untimely death of Winky Wong [SP Wong Wing-kee] and I would like to express my sympathy for his family and friends. It seems that his tragedy bears many similarities to the death of another highly respected PTU Company Commander of his day, Sandy White, to whom a rugby club trophy is dedicated. I had the honour to serve alongside Winky on several occasions on Police Negotiator Cadre (PNC) call-outs and, like all his PNC colleagues, past and present, I greatly admired his professionalism and dedication to the job. Perhaps, as a mark of respect to Winky, it would now be possible to give more official support to the PNC cadre in the form of improved and expanded technical resources, regular joint training and exercises with EUs, PTU and SDU and greater official recognition for this group of dedicated volunteers who bring great credit to the Force and help to save lives on a regular basis. I congratulate Peter Morgan on his appointment as OC PNC; perhaps he can think of a way in which Winky's contribution to the PNC can be permanently remembered. Yours sincerely Guy Shirra England OC PNC REPLY . . . DEAR SIR, Members of the Police Negotiator Cadre very much share Mr Shirra's thoughts and regrets on the untimely death of Winky Wong. Winky was a member of the Cadre for over ten years and was one of its most active and dedicated members. He will be sorely missed and members of the PNC join Mr Shirra in sending condolences to Winky's family. In respect of Mr Shirra's other observations regarding the Cadre, he will be interested to hear that since taking over as OC PNC, a full review has been initiated to examine the existing structure, operation and support of the Cadre and it is expected that changes will shortly be taken to ensure the continuing highest possible levels of support and effectiveness of the PNC. Meanwhile, the cadre continues to conduct training on a regular basis with officers attending both local and overseas courses. Lastly, I wish to assure Mr Shirra that the work of the PNC is well recognised in the Force and that every opportunity will be taken to ensure that the cadre remains at the height of operational readiness and professionalism in this difficult and demanding field. Peter Morgan SSP A NTS

Annual revolver qualification DEAR SIR, I would like to raise a few points on the current arrangement on drills and practices incorporated in the Annual Revolver Continuation and Qualification Courses which I find unsatisfactory. Firstly, although firing practice does not require heavy physical exertion, the lack of proper guidelines in shooting postures as well as warming-up exercises before practice can easily cause injuries to officers as they are required to finish all firing steps such as speed loading, unloading, bending, moving forward and backward, etc within a short time. Secondly, there should be different standards and levels of requirement for officers of different ages as shooting is a kind of exercise which requires an optimum standard of physical fitness and skills. Right now, the Annual Fitness Test follows this system. The current arrangement, however, has put tremendous pressure on elder officers whose physical fitness and eyesight are deteriorating, but who are required to meet the same standard as younger officers. Lastly, proper guidance should be given to officers prior to changes in training courses. Yours sincerely Police Constable Leung Man-chiu REPLY . . . DEAR SIR, The drills and practices incorporated in the Annual Revolver Continuation and Qualification Courses are carefully designed with balance of optimum standard and individual skills and ability in mind. Officers attending revolver courses will note that the drills and practices are gradual and far from vigorous. A comprehensive briefing is carried out prior to dry drills and live firing. Each course will start with weapon retention drills which are then followed by live firing practices involving minimal physical movement. As each and every case of firearms being used in police operations will be scrutinised with the same level of vigilance, with no exception to age, gender or rank it is important that all armed officers receive the same level of training that meet the same required standard. An officer who cannot achieve the required standard will receive remedial training as appropriate. Any officer who is not sure of what is required or has doubt over his own ability is welcomed to ask the instructors for advice. Firearms Instructors will offer assistance as required with quality service in mind. Lee Yeung-chi SP Weapons Training

CRAZY CAPTION CONTEST Write a caption to this photograph and win big-$150 big. Fax your caption, name, Force details and daytime phone number now to: OFFBEAT Crazy Caption Contest. By the way, OFFBEAT would like to thank Superintendent John Black of NTS (and OFFBEAT editorial committee member), for his crazy caption contribution last time.