Being stuck in the same place for several days can be absolutely torturous. Just ask the Kowloon East Region officers who spent a week in a temporary operation base to solve the kidnap of a nine-year-old boy last summer.

The boy was kidnapped by three men while on his way to school on July 6. Extensive investigations by Kowloon East Regional Crime Headquarters located the boy in a Boundary Street hotel and three culprits were arrested on July 12. They admitted the kidnap and were each sentenced to up to 12 years prison on February 12.

Senior Inspector Lau Shu-sing, Sergeant Lam Shing, Police Constables Wong Kwai-keung and Wong Kwun-hang were four of the five KE Regional Crime Unit Team One officers assigned to the base to gather intelligence. And to avoid data leaks, they could not leave it until the rescue came to an end.

SGT Lam said the situation was highly pressurized as they had to care for the frightened parents while formulating their strategy.

"First of all, we had to ensure the case was kept absolutely confidential, including the location of our working place. Special arrangements had to be made to deliver our daily necessities," he said.

Although the family tried their best to stay calm, SIP Lau said the officers offered a lot of care and compassion.

"We were the only ones they could rely on, however, we could not disclose too many details of our operation to them or the culprits would sense a report had been made. Ironically, a high profile kidnap and murder trial was starting at that time so to keep the family calm, we tried very hard to keep news of the trial away from them," he said. Although experienced in handling serious cases, the long working hours and high pressure was often physically and mentally exhausting.

PC Wong Kwun-hang said all they could do was stay tough and alert. PC Wong Kwai-keung added it was also difficult explaining to their families why they were away for so long. But the arduous and lengthy operation finally ended after the July 12 breakthrough.

SIP Lau said they were thrilled and relieved when they witnessed the family's reunion with the boy. "Despite the hardship, we felt very satisfied and happy with the final outcome." He added that the case offered them an opportunity to put all of their Police Training School skills into full practice.

"It was just like having leadership training courses at PTS, but obviously way more dangerous and it required a good combination of experience, skill and tact."

Sleep out: KE's crack anti-kidnap team

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