Operation Breakthrough subjected the 26 youths, averaging about 16, to a mentally and physically demanding camp to breakdown stereotypical views, enhance community spirit and their self esteem. The youths were all from New Territories North Region and put forward by the Social Welfare Department.

With NTN HQ Superintendents Danny Lawley and B.J. Smith as camp leaders, the multi-agency project saw expert assistance from officers of the Police Tactical Unit, the former Police Adventure Training Unit and SWD.

"The backgrounds for these youths were strikingly similar - most were from single-parent families, considered a failure at school and the only identity and respect they could get came from triad gangs whom they inevitably turned to," Mr Lawley said.

"The challenges of Breakthrough were considerable, it would be necessary to rebuild trust in the police and create civic responsibility, re-instil self confidence where there was none and restore a self-worth which had been traded for a street identity."

Reporting to the Tai Mei Tuk recreation centre on Friday, February 18, the kids were slovenly and disinterested. However, the experienced police volunteers had seen it all before and after two hours of footdrill and other exercise, a well-ordered platoon of young men emerged chanting "yes, sir".

By the weekend's end, each youth had confronted their worst fears through rock climbing, abseiling, strenuous physical exercise and jumping six metres into the freezing sea from an off-shore structure.

A police officer was behind each of them all the way offering encouragement, advice and ensuring their safety. For many, it was the first time they had ever succeeded at anything. An SDU officer also gave his personal account of life before the Force, talking of gangs, a broken home and rebelliousness similar to the youths, and how he overcame them to become a member of an elite unit with world-wide respect.

NTN Regional Commander Ng Wai-kit made operation Breakthrough a Regional initiative after previous operations saw overwhelming success with the extremely low recidivism rate of just two out of the 180 youths who had attended similar schemes run by Superintendent Lawley. The project originated under the command of former Tuen Mun District Commander Ian Seaborne who described it as "one of the most encouraging youth initiatives in Hong Kong".

Mr Ng rounded off the camp weekend presenting graduates with certificates of achievement as their proud parents looked on. Many youths also asked officers for their contact details which were gladly given to help ensure the kids keep their slates clean from now on.



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