PTU officers attending the forum included PTU Force Training Officer Davis Law, PTU Instructor Herman Chu and former PTU Instructor Michael Keung.

"The forum was aimed at sharing with CED colleagues how our team building training module had changed in the past two years, the obstacles met and ways to overcome them," Mr Law told OffBeat.

"The PTU training has shifted to focus on the essential elements of an effective team such as open communication, mutual trust and respect, and motivation and encouragement.

"The changes not only involved those in training activities, which have become more fun and less physically demanding than before, but also in debriefing methodologies. Trainees are now given more opportunity to express their views and feelings after team building activities," Mr Law explained.

PTU trainees have found the existing team building training very useful. Sergeant Lam Yuk-man of Charlie Company said: "Now I am more convinced of the importance of two-way communication and listening to the feedback of subordinates. I have also applied the learning to my supervisory work."

Another Charlie Company trainee, Police Constable Yeung Chun-nam, agreed that his superiors were more willing to listen to their ideas, adding that he found more job satisfaction when his suggestions were accepted.

"PTU instructors have also become more open-minded and adopted two-way communication with trainees. This has led to a more positive and productive relationship between trainees and instructors," Mr Chu said.

In his letter of appreciation, the Deputy Director of CED (Geotechnical), Mr Raymond Chan, said: "The forum was a success and was well-received by all the participants. We are also highly impressed by your commitment in maintaining the momentum of team spirit across the Hong Kong Police Force."

Discussing revised team building training module