Traffic HK Island's
new high-tech base

3 Photos

Despite being a decades old building amidst densely populated and high-rise buildings in the eastern part of Hong Kong Island, the former Shau Kei Wan Police station, a low rise structure, has shed most of its former roles and taken on a different but important task.

The four-storeyed station - just across the road near one of Hong Kong Island's major private housing estates - has become the nerve centre of Hong Kong Island's traffic police formation.

Rather than give up the site, the Force after careful consideration, decided to completely renovate the station to house Traffic Hong Kong Island (THKI), as its previous base in Central was found to be quite inadequate for present day needs and lacking in centralised facilities.

After the renovation, the station has become one of the most modern and efficient Police formations with state-of-the-art equipment as well as spacious work areas to enable its officers to carry out their duties efficiently.

Following seven months of renovation, THKI moved to its new base in Shau Kei Wan on May 18.

Speaking at the official opening ceremony earlier this month, HK Island's Regional Commander, Mr Yuen Ying-lam, said that as a result of the Government's Enhanced Productivity Programme, the Force introduced the concept of Police Station Amalgamation which allowed Shau Kei Wan and Chai Wan Divisions to merge into a single command based at Chai Wan Division.

"The amalgamation made it possible to utilise the former Shau Kei Wan Police Station building to rehouse the Headquarters Division and Accident Investigations Division of THKI, yet at the same time maintain a normal reporting facility, the one-stop shop service for the residents of Shau Kei Wan," Mr Yuen said.

He added that the service to local residents had not diminished, and at the same time THKI had been given much more functional accommodation.

Mr Yuen also thanked the staff of P&D, Architectural Services Department, ITB, COMMS and the contractors for their hard work and professionalism in ensuring that the base was prepared expertly and expeditiously for occupation in a very tight schedule.

Before taking OffBeat on a tour of the new traffic base, SSP THKI, Mr Noel Howcroft, said the complete overhaul of Shau Kei Wan station to accommodate THKI was the first of its kind to be undertaken by the Force.

"In a way you can say that it is a high-tech facility allowing our traffic investigators easy access to data and other information consistent with a modern police force," he said.

An important feature of the THKI is the installation of an automated station security system whereby a duty officer in the control room with several TV monitors and other communication equipment can see those entering and leaving the base. Officers must use their smart warrant cards to exit or enter the building at all times.

He explained that the report room incorporating a comfortable waiting lounge enabled both the local community and traffic accident reportees to relax while waiting for his/her turn to be dealt with; further pointing out that this was compatible with the Force's Station Improvement Scheme standards.

The holding cells for suspects of the previous station have been converted into 11 accident interview rooms, three of them segregated for confidentiality.

There are also separate work accommodations for its 11 investigation teams each consisting of eight officers.

The all-important entrance to the THKI has been given a complete new facade - not with a new coat of paint but with attractive prefabricated alloy panels.

Inside the building, the corporate colours of the Force, light grey and navy blue, are extensively used. Even the colour of the chairs' upholstery is blue.

Other facilities and amenities include a multi-purpose resource centre, greatly improved barrack accommodation, fitness room, a canteen and its own armoury.

Mr Howcroft added: "It is a very substantial improvement over our previous base, the environment is friendly and our accident enquiry facilities are excellent."

Mr Yuen and Mr Howcroft jointly officiate at the opening of THKI