Wanted: super-fit trainees to grapple with sub-machineguns, grenades and knives, fight crime and combat international terrorists. Penchant for black balaclavas an advantage.
The elite but secretive Police Special Duties Unit came clean on some of its undercover work yesterday, spilling the beans on a new selection process for recruits.
Assistant Police Commissioner Dick Lee Ming-kwai told the South China Morning Post he wanted to attract more newcomers with policing experience to the balaclava-clad 'Flying Tigers'.
There are about 100 Flying Tigers - equipped with MP5-A3 sub-machineguns, bulletproof vests, 9 mm Browning pistols, grenades and knives - and more than 100 officers compete for the 10 vacancies each year.
Police magazine Offbeat outlined the new selection process, to start in October. The plans include an orientation visit to the unit at Police Tactical Unit Headquarters in Fanling and special fitness sessions.
Previously, would-be Tigers received only a briefing before the two-week selections.
