Fifteen officers completed a fruitful seven-day study trip to Beijing and Shanghai on April 28.

Led by Police Training School Commandant Wong Pak-nin, the officers ranked Police Constable to Chief Inspector attended the People's Public Security University for lectures and seminars on the Mainland judicial system, economics and politics, Public Security administration, Chinese culture and Putonghua.

They also visited the Beijing Municipal Public Security Bureau control centre before receiving plaques from Deputy Director of Personnel and Training Cheng Zhiyong on April 26.

In Shanghai they toured the Public Security Museum, several police stations, the Public Security College and town-planning department.

OffBeat spoke to several officers upon their return. Police Constables Chang Wing-wai and Cheung Sing-nin: "We used to know very little about Public Security officers. However, after meeting them we are deeply impressed by their mission, energy and dedication which could be something for us to learn from."

Sergeant Lo Tin-sang: "During our trip, we had the opportunity to see for ourselves the day-to-day work, equipment and facilities of frontline Public Security officers. This will help enhance our understanding of our Mainland counterparts and lead to better co-operation in cross-boundary cases."

Station SGT Lam Po-kwan: "Although Mainland officers do not have a written performance pledge, they always strive to do a good job. Beijing officers vow to rush to the scene within five minutes after a report is made. That is really impressive."

Woman Senior Inspector Betty Kong Mei-king: "We will never forget Professor Yu Bin who gave us a lecture in Beijing. His lectures are something that should not be missed. Being the New Territories South Training and Staff Relations Officer, I do a lot of training and facilitation work and I think there is so much I can learn from Professor Yu. The trip means much more than enhanced knowledge about our Mainland counterparts."

Chief Inspector Tang Kay-hon: "The Police Healthy Lifestyle Campaign is nothing new to Mainland officers who have been embracing life-long learning and customer service for years. They are well-educated with broad horizons and a deep sense of commitment to the country."

PTS Commandant Wong Pak-nin: "Police have been working closely with Mainland authorities over the years and the Shanghai Public Security College have sent officers to attend PTS courses. In Shanghai I saw they were using facilities used at PTS, and this showed their determination to learn from other places and the high regard in which they held the professional training received in Hong Kong.

"With the trip's overwhelming success, widely reported by the Beijing and Shanghai media, I have requested the provision of more such activities to meet training needs.

"We will review the first trip and make necessary improvements to optimise future visits. Another 15 officers will visit other Mainland cities in October."