Police counter-terrorism exercise “PURPLEFLAME” smoothly concluded (with photos)

     Police held a counter-terrorism exercise codenamed “PURPLEFLAME” at the Hong Kong City Hall in the early hours today (July 19) to enhance the ability of Police and various stakeholders to collaborate, prevent and respond to emergency.

     The exercise simulated that several terrorists broke into the Hong Kong City Hall where a large-scale celebration was taking place and launched a terrorist attack. Police officers swiftly attended the scene and made immediate tactical intervention. Eventually, Police subdued the terrorists, rescued the citizens, evacuated members of the public in a safe and orderly manner, and resolved the crisis.

     More than 200 officers from Operations Bureau, Emergency Unit and Police Tactical Unit of Hong Kong Island Region, regular and auxiliary police officers of Central District, and Counter Terrorism Response Unit participated in the exercise. In addition, a number of students also actively participated in the exercise.

     The head and members of the delegation of the Volunteer Special Constabulary of the Singapore Police Force, as well as the Chairman and members of the Wan Chai District Fight Crime Committee were invited to observe the exercise and visit the new mobile command post, so that they could better understand the Hong Kong Police Force’s work in counter-terrorism and crisis management.

     Through this exercise, Police aimed at enhancing the communication and response capabilities of officers in dealing with terrorist attacks, testing the collaboration capabilities of frontline units as well as elevating the counter-terrorism awareness of the participating students.

     Police reminded members of the public to report to the Police as early as possible for assistance if they notice any suspicious persons, objects or incidents.

     Police appealed to the public to adopt the safety advice of “Run, Hide and Report” in the event of emergency situations:

     Run – leave via a safe route without staying to take pictures;

     Hide – if it is impossible to leave, take cover or hide in a lockable room and refrain from using sound emitting or luminous devices; and

     Report – call 999 for assistance when you are safe.