THE new-look Sau Mau Ping Police Station has won praise for its modern, efficient layout and cosy ambience.

Sau Mau Ping is one of three pilot stations spearheading the Forcewide Station Improvement Project, which also includes North Point and Sha Tin stations.

The Planning and Development Branch is leading the physical aspects of the project with design, colours, and a high standard of fittings being adopted after suggestions from a consultant.

The initial model was adopted at North Point and then adapted for Sau Mau Ping and Sha Tin, allowing for public feedback from three different communities and operating environments.

And the comments so far have been very encouraging.

Deputy District Commander of Sau Mau Ping Lau Sik-tim said there were three core areas to the improvement project.

"Firstly,we have modernised station facilities such as the report room and the new installation of items such as the Artificial Intelligence Crime Analysis System and a closed-circuit TV system. On a more human front, we're organised a number of training sessions for our officers to further enhance their interpersonal skills. And finally, we're also been looking into ways to simplify our day-to-day working procedures for better efficiency," Mr Lau said.

To inform the public of the project, Mr Lau and his officers invited local community leaders such as members of the Provisional District Board and the District Fight Crime Committee to observe the works before completion and offer suggestions for further improvement.

The user-friendly report room features touch screen information kiosks, a pay phone and softdrink vending machines, along with a wide variety of forms for different cases, such as loss reports. The forms can help cut the time it takes to make a report.

Divisional Commander of Sau Mau Ping Tsang Wei-lin said the Force colours of grey and blue blended in well with the report room decor, giving it a more cosy ambience.

Ms Tsang said: "The most innovative idea of our improvement project is having Crime officers stationed in the report room and being able to meet those making reports in the adjacent interview rooms if necessary."

Both the Kwun Tong Provisional District Board (which encompasses Sau Mau Ping District) chairman, Mr Hau Shui-pui, and the Kwun Tong District Fight Crime Committee chairman, Mr Fung Kam-chiu, agreed the arrangement was a big improvement as it not only allowed officers to take up urgent criminal cases for prompt action, but also saved the reporting person the trouble and embarrassment of giving statements over and over again.

Ms Tsang said a written reply would also be sent to the person within four weeks of their date of report, updating them on the progress of the investigation.

The chairmen were equally impressed by the CCTV system in the reception area.

A resource centre on the upper floors features five computers, two with Internet access and the other three linked up to Force information such as the Force Procedures Manual.

With flexible partitioning, the centre can also be easily turned into a corner for group discussions and meetings.

"The resource centre is nothing short of a mini-library with a rich collection of reading materials on issues pertaining to police duties as well as many items of leisure reading," Ms Tsang said.

Station staff can also savour the comfort of the new changing room which is more spacious, air-conditioned and featured convenient lockers for their equipment and personal belongings.

The whole array of new facilities proved a big attraction to the observers. Kwun Tong District Fight Crime Committee member Mr Koo Chun-wah said: "With all these visibly improved facilities in place, and given the enhancement in the other areas as contemplated, the station should be able to continue in their strive for excellence."

Ms Tsang responded that "the other areas" especially the human factor, was an essential component of the station's improvement project.

"We're hired a consultant to brief our officers on what service is about in a modern society and what members of the public expect from police officers. We hope that the seminars would help them do a better job," she said.

Added to the seminars were special workshops on emotional quotients, handling stresses and maintaining cordial interpersonal relationships.

The observers concluded that the improvement project at Sau Mau Ping Police Station would be a boost to the efficiency of police officers working there. Moreover, it would help foster a better relationship between the Police and members of the public, and encourage them to fight crime jointly with the Police.