The new chapter provides important information on the operational environment in which the railway system in Hong Kong is policed, as well as details of the special procedures that are unique to Railway Policing. These include an overview of Railway District (RAILDIST) and the policing responsibilities of different stakeholders.

Said RAILDIST Deputy District Commander Superintendent Ray Ng: "Promulgation of the new FPM chapter on Railway Policing is an important milestone in policing the Hong Kong railway system. In Hong Kong, the importance of the railway system cannot be underestimated and although RAILDIST is the principal formation responsible for policing it, there will be occasions when officers outside the District will be required to respond. The new chapter adds another arrow to our quiver in ensuring that the railway system in Hong Kong remains one of the most safe and secure in the world. I would encourage all officers to familiarise themselves with the contents of the new chapter to enhance their knowledge of this unique and important area of frontline policing."

The RRT aims to provide a pool of officers who have been adequately trained to work with and support those units and at the same time make the best use of their local knowledge of the railway environment. This will increase the resilience of the railway system and speed up the process of recovery in the event of any disruption to the system. In addition, the RRT was formed in line with the Strategic Directions 2 and 4 on "Enhancing the personal and professional qualities of Force Members" and "Supporting frontline units".

Earlier, 33 RRT members attended a seven-day Railway Incidents Response Course, which has been formally recognised by Personnel Wing as a Human Resources related local training course and it has been documented into the officer's training record in the Personnel Information Computer System.

The course covered terrorism awareness, tactics training (assisted by Airport Security Unit), search techniques (assisted by Force Search Unit), negotiation techniques (assisted by Police Negotiation Cadre), knowledge of explosives (assisted by Explosives Ordnance Cadre) and handling of public order activities (assisted by OC Taskforce, Central Division). Before the course concluded, the RRT members applied what they had learned during group exercises in some MTR stations.

During the East Asian Games, RRT will primarily enhance uniformed coverage at stations, whilst normal policing services will be maintained throughout the railway system.

Woman Senior Inspector Mak Ka-po is a witness to, and a supporter of, the gradual status upgrading in RAILDIST. She commented: "It is not an easy task for a district to upgrade its workforce. The tremendous hard work to maintain the integrity of the railway system during the operation for the Olympics, the recent introduction of the Railway Response Team and publication of a new chapter on Railway Policing in FPM are results of the whole-hearted participation of many officers. Apparently, the contribution and determination of the leaders in the district have also provided a clear direction and a strong driving force."

Railway Response Team members apply what they have learned from a Railway Incidents Response Course during an exercise in an MTR station