Thwarting cross-border crime requires seamless co-operation between countries, Commissioner of Police Dick Lee says.

Speaking at the 15th Interpol Symposium for Heads of Police Training at Police Headquarters today, Mr Lee said collaboration in training and the sharing of training resources will equip officers in tackling trans-national crime.

"In Hong Kong, we have taken the first step. In 2003, we signed a memorandum of understanding with our Singaporean counterparts in the sharing of our e-learning programmes. Our Police College is able and willing to offer crime courses of specific regional interest as well as development courses at various levels to interested law enforcement agencies," he said.

Reassessment required

Interpol Secretary General Ronald Noble echoed Mr Lee's remarks, saying the constantly changing threats and challenges confronting law enforcement agencies require all regions to constantly reassess not only their response, but also their preparation.

"The importance of training is fundamental to sound preparation, and Interpol is confident the symposium will provide those attending with effective strategies for the continuing enhancement of police skills and development."

Some 170 delegates from 55 countries including world police training leaders and prominent police scholars have come to Hong Kong to attend the three-day event.

Symposium themes

The symposium's vision statement Building an International Learning Community, is a reflection of what the international police training sector aims to achieve.

The symposium features the following five themes:

* Training Solutions to Global & Organised Crime;

* The Role of Training in Crime Prevention & Crime Reduction;

* Professionalisation of Police Training;

* Towards Technology-led Training Strategies; and,

* Developing Effective Modern Police Managers.