"Technological advances, the Internet and international air travel had brought about a global aspect to crime and terrorism that had never been imaginable in the past. Although technology provided invaluable aids to criminal investigation, criminals rapidly developed counter-measures.

"Too often, law enforcement officers were perceived as trailing behind criminal enterprises in terms of innovation and intellect. For this reason, it was necessary to educate and train these officers to tackle crime in the 21st century," he added.

Mr Thomas stressed the importance of recruiting officers with good educational background and developing a culture of lifelong learning by law enforcement agencies. An example of this was that around half of all Inspectors and above engaged in Crime duties in the Force now had a university education. It was essential to educate and train officers to meet the growing sophistication of crime, which had achieved a global dimension in many instances.

He said the Force recognised the importance of education and training, citing the strategies that had been adopted and plans for the future as examples.

"Training exchanges with the Mainland had brought tangible benefits to both jurisdictions," he added.

Need for greater integration

As regards sharing of knowledge and education, Mr Thomas stressed: "Although regional partnerships such as the European Police College have made immense strides, it is still necessary to achieve greater integration.

"In this respect, Interpol with its 181 member nations is best placed to provide an over-reaching framework." He called upon the Organization to consider a number of initiatives, including using its regional sub-bureaux as training centres, plus the further development of e-learning and creating a strategic knowledge management system using Interpol's global communication system, I 24/7."

Symposium for Heads of Police Training

Mr Thomas said, as stated by the Commissioner, Interpol had invited Hong Kong to co-host the 15th Interpol Symposium for Heads of Police Training in Hong Kong in early 2005. He invited delegates to send their representatives to the symposium with concrete proposals aimed at achieving greater collaboration and the sharing of training and development initiatives.

Finally, Mr Thomas said it was a privilege for him to have addressed the General Assembly. He thanked Senior Superintendent (Efficiency Studies) (Service Quality) Mr Jim Lisle, Force Training Officer Ms May Kwok Chi-mei, Chief Inspector (Visual Aids) Mr Andy Yip and officers of Crime Wing Headquarters for helping to prepare his presentation.

ACP (Training) Mr David Thomas at the 72nd Interpol General Assembly Session in Spain