In preparation for the 94th INTERPOL General Assembly, due to be held in Hong Kong in late November, the Hong Kong Police Force, in collaboration with other government departments and relevant organisations, last night conducted a comprehensive inter-departmental exercise at the Convention & Exhibition Centre, Victoria Harbour and the West Kowloon area.

The exercise featured on-site rehearsals of the assembly's opening and closing ceremonies, with drills covering a wide range of arrangements. 

These included security and traffic co-ordination for VIPs; simulated crowd flow management for approximately 1,000 delegates, including their movement between the main and secondary venues; venue command centre operations; and stress tests of the wireless network.

Through the exercise, the force aimed to ensure that all aspects of the General Assembly are seamlessly coordinated, and staged in a safe and orderly manner, demonstrating Hong Kong's capabilities in hosting major international events.

The exercise also simulated a suspected biochemical terrorist attack in which an unattended backpack suddenly released an unknown gas during a cocktail reception, causing a number of people to feel unwell.

Concurrently, other emergencies were staged near the venue, prompting various departments and organisations to swiftly activate their emergency response mechanisms.

The exercise tested the co-ordination of relevant stakeholders in key operational facets, including immediate tactical interventions, emergency response, decontamination and triage of casualties, and the handling of suspicious objects and affected people.

By refining contingency protocols, the exercise further strengthened inter-departmental counter-terrorism preparedness and incident response capabilities.

The exercise mobilised about 3,000 personnel from various government departments and relevant organisations, including the force, the Fire Services Department, the Hospital Authority and the West Kowloon Cultural District Authority.

Secretary for Security Tang Ping-keung and Commissioner of Police Chow Yat-ming observed the exercise on-site. Afterwards, Mr Tang commended all participating units for their professional conduct, co-ordination and co-operation.