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Force defences adequate? |
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Are riot helmets bulletproof? If not, I suggest all officers, including motorcycle officers, switch to bullet-resistant helmets. There is no point wasting resources purchasing useless equipment. Also, in a recent operation using borrowed armadillo shields to form a shield wall, the application of an external force could easily make the wall collapse as the plastic sheets at the back of the shields were too soft. Can the problem be rectified?
Sergeant Chan Shiu-wah PTU responds |
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Our riot helmet is not bullet-resistant, however, it is designed to provide sufficient protection for officers deployed during civil unrest or at places like construction sites. A helmet which can meet the needs of officers during civil unrest, which is also bullet-resistant, has been tested and found to be unsuitable, being heavy and uncomfortable when worn for long periods. Having carefully considered the practicality of use and risk assessment, it has been decided the riot helmet should not be bullet-resistant. Bullet-resistant helmets are made available to officers who may have to face armed culprits, such as the Police Tactical and Emergency Units. Concerning the armadillo shields, in this case they were borrowed from the resident Hong Kong Island Police Tactical Unit company for Divisional use. They were examined and met the required specifications. They were used by PTU in realistic exercises and provided the required protection. There was no design fault. Shield wall tactics require regular practise to ensure officers can use them effectively. PTU Headquarters would be pleased to provide refresher training and advice to Force colleagues before they use the shields in future.
Chung Pui-sing |
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