Also expected to attend the anniversary dinner are officers responsible for similar PNC duties from the Correctional Services Department, Macao and the Mainland.

Formed in 1975, the PNC is probably one of the oldest negotiation units in the world. It is made up entirely of volunteer police officers of all ranks, who are called upon to carry out duties as negotiators in emergency situations, in addition to their normal day-to-day work. During the past 30 years, they have been performing an increasingly important role in dealing with hostage incidents, domestic barricading situations and potential suicide cases.

In 2004 alone, PNC members spent a total of 892 hours responding to a total of 142 incidents involving potential suicides or barricading cases, with nine incidents also involving family members taken as hostages. In doing so, PNC members have demonstrated that the effective use of negotiation techniques is very often capable of peacefully resolving an emergency situation and, more importantly, saving lives.

The PNC invites all Force members, in particular ex-PNC members overseas or in Hong Kong, to join the celebration to mark its important milestone in crisis management.

Bookings can be made by contacting CIP Matthew Lau Mei-yam, dvc-ltsdiv, on 9653-8621, or WSIP Sandra Lau Chun-ping, cdr-pln-1-ntn, on 6400-8832. Payment details and cost will be provided on confirmation of bookings.

PNC members in action during an exercise