At about 6,655 square metres in floor area, the two-storey facility will be constructed on a portion of the PTS football pitch covering about 3,500 square metres.

The course will feature replicas of typical Hong Kong streets and buildings, observation points for spectators and a control room to monitor exercises and trainee performance.

The course creates realistic scenarios replicating common situations faced by officers performing duties in vehicles, on motorcycles, or on the beat in both day and night conditions.

Briefing and debriefing areas, classrooms, store rooms, and staff offices will also be included, and the realistic street scenes feature mock shops, stalls and restaurants, residential areas, MTR stations, staircases, lift lobbies and landings.

Model design: A scale replica of the future tactical training complex for PTS

Wireless-controlled pop-up targets, adjustable lighting to simulate day and night conditions, simulated sound, and closed circuit video equipment for instructors to observe and review trainee performance, were other features.

Planning and Development Branch Acting Chief Superintendent Peter Bacon said many man-hours had gone into the planning of the much-needed facility which would greatly benefit officer training.

"The staff of PTS, Weapons Training Division and ourselves have put many years into this project and now it will become a reality. It is very pleasing recruits and front-line officers could benefit in receiving a high standard of weapon and tactical training. This is beneficial not only for front-line officers' safety but also that of the public," Mr Bacon said.

"There has been a lot of keen interest in this project at all levels."

PTS Chief Drill and Weaponry Instructor, Chief Inspector Eric Yip Kwok-kuen, said PTS was the ideal location for the complex.

He said such training had been limited to simple props erected in the modified squash courts or on soccer fields. The Force also sporadically resorted to the former military close quarter battle range in Castle Peak, but the facility was not ideal as it was not designed for police training.

"The new facility is needed as the existing ones are inadequate, we can only use the modified squash courts and take props outside on to the football pitch, so there are space constraints and it affects realism," Mr Yip said.

"The new complex will have all the necessary space and features yet it will not affect the facilities provided at PTS as we have several football pitches already."

Proper firearm and tactical training was essential for all officers as it enhanced their capability to control a number of situations. It also helped reduce the necessity for lethal force, minimising injuries and deaths.

P & D Chief Inspector (Hong Kong and Kowloon) Alice Lee Wai-sum, said one of the biggest advantages of the new facility would be the ability to conduct continuous exercises allowing for a high rate of officer training.

"There will be several zones within the complex so more than one team can do exercises simultaneously," Ms Lee said.

The training will include tactical use of force and firearms, tactics in dealing with armed or dangerous suspects, tactical approaches to dealing with suspects on the street, inside vehicles and buildings, and the cordoning and searching of premises in urban locations.

Some $161.2 million was approved to fund the project and construction will start in November, scheduled for completion in May 2001.

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