The programme focused on intensive training in three major areas, "Incident Command and Management", "Effective Management of the Police Station" and "Leadership Skills of a Commanding Officer". It was delivered by way of lectures, simulation exercises, seminars, visits and experience-sharing sessions to achieve maximum benefits for the trainees.

All the trainees came from the 4th year (i.e. last year) class of the 7th Police Officers Course (equivalent to Probationary Inspector training in Hong Kong) of the Academy of Macao Public Security Forces. Seven of them have reached their rank through internal promotion, while eight come from direct entry and the remaining two are officers from Guizhou Public Security Bureau on an exchange programme. They are expected to pass out from the Academy in 2006 and work as Deputy Superintendent of the Public Security Police Force of Macao.

At a welcome ceremony held at the Police Training School (PTS) on September 6, Senior Superintendent So Kam-tong, Head of PDLC; Senior Superintendent Chu Ming-po, Commandant of PTS, and Superintendent Chan Wan-lung of JPO DLD, greeted Mr Hui Xiao-yung, Commandant of the Academy; Ms Leong Xiao-ling, Assistant Commander, and the trainees.

In his welcoming speech, SSP So said: "I strongly believe that this programme would enhance trainees' understanding of the experiences of the Hong Kong Police Force in the areas of leadership and management. In addition, it will definitely be beneficial to both Forces with regard to police culture, knowledge of management and leadership, and friendship."

After the ceremony, SSP So discussed and exchanged views on a wide range of issues relating to training strategy with Mr Hui and Ms Leong, before his guests toured PTS.

SIP Yiu Hong-sang, who was responsible for the design and delivery of the training programme, pointed out that it was the first time the Force had developed a tailor-made training programme for the Academy to provide intensive training on selected areas.

"Having taken into account the trainees' needs, we pruned the programme and made some choices. Owing to time constraints, we used the training method most appropriate for a particular content to achieve training objectives. It was decided at the end that the programme would first focus on the training of various skills required for police operations, ranging from evaluation and planning in advance to giving instructions, briefing and deployment on sites. In addition, the programme was delivered through an integrated approach, whereby various training modes were included, such as visits, lectures, simulations and experience sharing.

"At the concluding stage, a 'Problem Discussion' session was held for the trainees to talk face-to-face with instructors about the problems they would encounter in management or policing routines. They had discussed the issues related to policing and personal experiences of leadership. I was so impressed by the trainees' dedication, learning attitude and hard work throughout the programme," SIP Yiu said.

Some of the trainees have spoken highly of their training programme. One of them, Mr Wang Wai-tao, commented: "Throughout the three-day programme, we learned in a good atmosphere and absorbed everything the instructors had taught. What I appreciated most is the sincerity and hospitality of Hong Kong police officers. In particular, I very much appreciated the training method, which adopted a scenario-based approach to emphasise the importance of review of experience, step-by-step training and psychological competency. All these account for the continuous improvement of Hong Kong police officers.

"Our study visit has not only rid me of the police stereotype of rank consciousness and training method, but also impressed me a lot of the emphasis the Hong Kong Police Force puts on personal development. The visit has also underlined the benefits and importance of training exchanges.

"I'm looking forward to more exchanges and closer co-operation in our common mission of maintaining law and order. Last but not least, I would like to take this opportunity to thank, on behalf of all my fellow trainees, our course instructor, SIP Yiu, as well as other instructors for their warm hospitality and training."

Another trainee, Chan Yu-chuen, recalled the trainees' observation of the leadership training of a Sergeant Promotion Course. He noted: "During the observation, we learned a lot of the practical skills of conducting an operation and dealing with an emergency, and got a better idea of the theories taught by SIP Yiu.

"We also experienced Hong Kong police officers' high degree of efficiency and leadership skills. They had enriched our vision by setting a role model for us. Our visit to the new Police Headquarters and the Central Police Station, where we were introduced to the daily operations of various formations, was an eye-opener and will be useful to our jobs in future."

A trainee of the Sergeant Promotion Course, Sergeant Siu Chi-hung, said he and his fellow officers had shared their working experiences and management and communication techniques with the Macao trainees. Both parties had also explored many interesting topics such as the cultural differences between Hong Kong and Macao, and the new challenges of a fast changing society.

"The Macao counterparts showed much interest in our culture of 'Serving the Community' and our interactive training methods, which put emphasis on thinking and inspiration. Both parties had benefited from these exchanges in terms of mutual understanding, co-operation and friendship," he noted.

The cadets have spoken highly of the training provided by their instructors