The delegation, comprising 18 expatriate officers, was met on arrival in Beijing by Professor Samuel Wang from the International Policing Department of the PSB University, and Mr Liu Zhiyuan, Divisional Chief, General Office of the Hong Kong, Macao and Taiwan Affairs Office, PSB.

Later in the afternoon, the Deputy Director General, PSB Personnel & Training Department, Mr Sun Jianguo, officially welcomed the delegation and explained the current levels of training exchanges between the Mainland and Hong Kong.

The next morning Beijing was blanketed by an overnight snowfall as the delegation visited the Great Wall in the Badaling Mountain in the north west. Upon returning to Beijing the delegation visited the Haidian Office of the Beijing Municipal Public Security Bureau where the delegates were given an introductory briefing about the Haidian District, the largest of 18 in Beijing. With an area of about 430 square kilometres and a population of 1.9 million, plus a transient population of approximately a further one million, the district is renowned as a cultural and tourist hub, and for science and technology. It is also home to many famous universities. After the briefing the delegation visited the Haidian District Command and Control Centre for a further briefing on police deployment and operational responses.

After the visit, Mr Zhang Zhaohua, Director of Haidian Sub-Bureau, Beijing Municipal Public Security Bureau, hosted a reception for the delegation, at which various souvenirs were exchanged.

A bright, but cold third day provided the delegation with the opportunity to visit the Tiananmen Square and the Imperial Palace Museum (Forbidden City) in the morning.

In the afternoon, the delegation visited the People's Public Security University of China, an institute of higher learning directly under the Ministry of Public Security since 1984. The delegates toured a recently constructed accommodation block, the adjacent catering facilities, an indoor computerised small arms range, as well as physical and recreational classes. After the tour they met Professor Li Changqun, Vice-President, PSB University, at a reception.

The morning of the fourth day was given over to a delegation visit to the Summer Palace, situated in the Western outskirts of Haidian District, 15 kilometres from central Beijing.

In the afternoon, the delegation was taken on a guided tour of the PSB Police Museum by the Museum Director and Briefing Officer. After this, the delegation toured the Niu Jie Police Station and was briefed by the Station Commander on the role and responsibilities of his policing area, population make-up (which includes a large proportion of minority Muslims) and his policing challenges. Following the briefing was an open and frank discussion on the station's organisational structure, strength, shift patterns and training, amongst other issues.

Mr Wang Gang, Director, General Office of the Hong Kong, Macao and Taiwan Affairs Office, Ministry of Public Security, hosted the final reception for the delegation.

All of the delegates considered the visit an overwhelming success, giving them an insight into policing of the nation's capital and the culture on the Mainland. Feedback from the Mainland officials suggested that they were impressed with the delegation's team spirit, discipline and organisational ability. Throughout the visit the various Public Security Bureau hosts ensured that all delegates received a genuine, open and warm welcome.

Delegates have gained an insight into policing in Beijing