FSU provides professional services to frontline officers
As part of a continuing effort to improve its capabilities, the Force Search Unit (FSU) re-designed its Training Management System, and obtained the ISO 9001: 2008 quality management system certification in April last year. In addition, the FSU has revamped the three-week Basic Search Course and turned it into a learning programme called "Police Professional Search and Venue Security" (PPSVS) Certificate Programme. This new course places emphasis on both academic and vocational competencies.
In March this year, the Hong Kong Council for Accreditation of Academic and Vocational Qualifications formally approved the FSU to operate the PPSVS as a Level 3 programme under the Qualification Framework. Between April 26 and May 14 this year, the first intake of 21 officers, including two woman police constables (WPC) from the Police Tactical Intervention Unit of the Macao Police, attended the "Basic Defensive Search and Venue Security Course" - the first module of the PPSVS in the Force Search Training School in Sha Ling.
The overhauled curriculum now contains a more innovative and diversified content, covering topics of terrorism, security concept, search theory, skills and knowledge of specialist equipment. The goals are to enable the trainees to acquire a better understanding of theories and to apply what they have learned in formulating a search operation independently.
Sergeant Chow Kwok-wah, who has completed the three week training course, commented: "The course has a rich content, helping me to apply what I have learned in my day-to-day jobs, and to take part in major security operations."
WPC Tiffany Leong Iao-lam from Macao pointed out that the course covers both theories and practices. "The knowledge and skills taught are very professional and practical. I will share what I have learned with my colleagues," she said.
Her colleague, WPC Debbie Chio Wai-i, said: "The three-week training had been most fruitful. I sincerely thank the training staff for their guidance and coaching. The learning atmosphere among the trainees made the learning process most enjoyable. I am looking forward to applying my newly gained knowledge in my jobs."
Trainees are required to go through 180-hour training in the basic course and to pass six practice examinations on room search, area search, vehicle search, crime scene search, security screening centre and venue search, two written examinations and five assignments, including those on terrorism, search equipment and map drawing. Having met the necessary requirements, trainees will move on to Module 2 - "Job Base Learning Attachment."
The FSU will continue to review and improve the curriculum and to work with the Mainland and overseas law enforcement agencies for exchanging search tactics and technology.
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under the guidance of instructors