Hong Kong Police Force launches international policing academy

HONG KONG -- The Hong Kong Police Force on Wednesday launched the Hong Kong International Academy of Policing (HKIAP), with more than 400 representatives from overseas and local law enforcement agencies attending the opening ceremony.

"Security challenges are increasingly complex and borderless, and strong international connectivity is therefore vital to global security and prosperity," said Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) Chief Executive John Lee Ka-Chiu at the ceremony.

The HKIAP will strengthen Hong Kong's international partnerships, he added.

Chow Yat-ming, commissioner of police of the HKSAR government, said the academy aims to train around 1,000 members of police forces every year, including 200 overseas law enforcement officers.

The academy will coordinate over 20 hallmark training programs and police leadership forums by the end of next year. Training focuses on key areas such as strategic command and leadership for policing, the application of control tactics, counter-terrorism and crisis management, criminal investigation, as well as protection and security.