WPU enhances international collaboration
in
witness protection
Witness Protection is an essential tool for law enforcement agencies in combatting crime. In serious and organised crimes, criminals might intimidate or assault prosecution witnesses in order to stop them from testifying in court. The Witness Protection Unit (WPU) of the Force is responsible for protecting high-risk prosecution witnesses and for providing assistance and advice on witness protection to Formations.
There has been more recognition of the importance of Witness Protection within Asian jurisdictions in recent years, as evidenced by an increased number of requests for WPU assistance from neighbouring countries. Recently WPU took part in international seminars and training initiatives.
To enhance co-operation within the Asia-Pacific Region, Commissioner Tsang Wai-hung visited Malaysia in June this year. At that time the Malaysian Witness Protection Unit (MWPU) was just established and was still recruiting and training members. Therefore, CP undertook that WPU would provide training to the MWPU both in Malaysia and Hong Kong.
In September this year, the MWPU hosted an international conference on Witness Protection, where Chief Superintendent (CSP) Steve Carruthers of Crime Wing Support Group represented Hong Kong as a keynote speaker. Together with representatives from Asia, Australia, the United States and the United Nations, CSP Carruthers discussed legislation, strategies, tactics and good practices employed around the world.
"It was interesting to learn the extent to which criminals in other countries go to locate and compromise prosecution witnesses. These valuable lessons learned overseas can help us avoid the same thing happening here in Hong Kong, and demonstrate the value of international liaison," CSP Carruthers said after the conference.
Provides training for MWPU
In October this year, a three-member WPU training team, headed by Chief Inspector Gary Lo Ting-hei, ran a five-day basic training course for MWPU in Kuala Lumpur. This training programme aimed at beefing up MWPU's tactical application and assisting in designing their internal training courses.
Said Sergeant Ho Kwok-wai of his WPU team's training work in Malaysia: "It is my great honour to visit Malaysia as a representative of the Force to provide the MWPU with a comprehensive training package. Every day we started before sunrise with physical training, followed by lectures, demonstrations and practical exercises until sunset."
Following the success of the training given by WPU in Malaysia, five MWPU officers attended WPU's Advanced Tactical Training Course in Hong Kong from November 28 to December 9, 2011. "The training was demanding and thorough. There is now a close working relationship and friendship between our two units," said MWPU's Superintendent Muhammad Fadhil.
WPU
professionalism recognised
On December 9, Director of General of MWPU, Datuk Ab Razak Bin Ab Ghani, attended the closing ceremony of the course, and expressed his appreciation for the training provided to MWPU in Kuala Lumpur and Hong Kong. "Developing an effective witness protection programme is a complex undertaking, requiring expertise, professionalism and significant resources," he noted. Mr Ghani also paid a courtesy call on CP.
In addition to MWPU, delegations from Japan, Vietnam and Thailand had visited WPU to study tactics and share experiences since late last year.
WPU remains committed to providing first class witness protection services in Hong Kong and looks forward to more international collaboration in the years to come.
Assistant
Commissioner
(Crime)
Lo Mung- hung with MWPU officers