The Force hosted the "1st INTERPOL Police Development Programme for the National Central Bureaus (NCB) in Asia and the South Pacific" last month. A total of 56 delegates from 17 Asian and Pacific countries attended the training programme, alongside officers from the Force, Customs and Excise Department, ICAC, the Mainland and Macao.  

Six training officers from the INTERPOL General Secretariat, led by Mr Ahmet Eren, Assistant Director of the Capacity Building and Training Directorate, conducted the weeklong programme from June 17 to 21, focusing on operation of NCBs, the effective use of the I-24/7 INTERPOL Secure Global Police Communication System and presentation skills. 

In his opening speech, Mr Eren said: "INTERPOL was created in 1923 as a result of the need for police to co-operate across borders against transnational crimes. Nearly a century later, and despite the many successes of the international community in terms of co-operation and operation, this need is more pressing than ever. This is why we need closer co-operation in a changing world." Using the I-24/7 system was vital in supporting effective communication among NCBs worldwide, he added.

The trainees were provided with training of the highest level for developing a better understanding of how I-24/7 system operates, including lectures, role-play and hands-on experience, using the computer suite on the campus of Police College. 

Mr Eren said he was very satisfied with the organisation of the training and the facilities provided by the Force. He also thanked Liaison Bureau for their hard work for the training programme. 

At the closing ceremony, Liaison Bureau acting Senior Superintendent Yau Siu-kei said: "The training provides an excellent opportunity not only for the delegates to improve their operational experiences with the I-24/7 system but to network with each other, forging professional working level contacts." 

Upon completion of the training course, all the participants were awarded with a certificate issued by INTERPOL.