Frontline officers' work appreciated

2 Photos

Four members of the Independent Police Complaints Council (IPCC) saw for themselves the duties and difficulties faced by frontline officers in a crowd management operation during their visit to the Lunar New Year Fair in Victoria Park on February 11.

They were IPCC Vice-Chairman Yeung Yiu-chung, and members Sylvia Yau Siu-fee, Chan Bing-woon and Charles Koo Ming-yan.

Accompanying them throughout the visit were Hong Kong Island Regional Commander John Yuen Ying-lam and Chief Superintendent of the Complaints and Internal Investigation Branch (C&IIB) John Lee Ka-chiu.

The tour of the area, during Lunar New Year's Eve, witnessed hundreds of thousands of people pouring in from various locations, and this provided an opportunity for the IPCC members to see the very daunting task of frontline officers who had to implement flexible crowd management measures to facilitate the flow of revellers to the park, and at the same time ensure public order and safety.

Earlier, the Chief Executive, Mr Tung Chee Hwa, accompanied by Acting Commissioner Lau Yuk-kuen also visited the park and the Police command post at Windsor House.

Mr Lau briefed the Chief Executive on crowd management measures and special traffic arrangements introduced for the occasion.

Mr Tung appreciated the difficult work of the officers and encouraged them to continue with their excellent effort.

The IPCC members first walked through a densely crowded area outside a department store near the park to observe the heavy pedestrian flow and also talk to frontline officers. They later visited the command post at Windsor House where they were briefed on the scale of the operation, planning, deployment of duties, communication, logistical arrangements and co-ordination with various units and departments. In the final part of the tour, the IPCC members visited a mobile command car inside the park to see officers at work in this tight and crowded environment.

Mr Yeung talked to some officers during a refreshment break and expressed appreciation of their good work in making it possible for members of the public to go about their activities in a safe and orderly fashion.

Another IPCC member, Mr Chan, who encouraged officers he met in the park, said: "We understand that your work is never easy, particularly as members of the public continue to demand the highest standard of service from Police officers these days. But we do appreciate your good work and the difficulties you may have to face from time to time."

The visit was organised as both the IPCC and the Police considered that this would enhance mutual understanding. Commissioner Tsang Yam-pui in his Garden Party held last December extended an invitation to IPCC members to look at frontline policing work.

The C&IIB has planned a series of visits by IPCC members to see how frontline officers handle public order events, conduct anti-vice operations or traffic enforcement operations. Tours of the Police Training School and the Force Discipline Adjudication Unit will also be arranged.

Mr Lee added: "These visits planned to take place within the next 12 months will provide good opportunities for IPCC members to personally observe officers at work and directly discuss with them their practical problems and difficulties."

CE, Mr Tung Chee Hwa at crowd management command post