Foreword

Tsang Yam-pui Commissioner of Police	We have a firm foundation on which to build a constantly evolving, improving service to the community.

A commitment to modernisation through greater use of technology, enhancement of efficiency in our frontline policing, as well as improving our quality of service to the Hong Kong community, represent some of the key elements behind the Force's success last year in ensuring that Hong Kong remained one of the safest major cities in the world.

Notwithstanding our increasing population as well as the influx of 13 million visitors during the course of last year, the law and order situation has remained stable. The low crime environment of recent years was created once again in 2000 and presented an opportunity for the Force to move further forward with existing and fresh initiatives aimed at streamlining our service, as well as improving efficiency.

I am pleased to report that excellent progress has been made in our endeavours to employ the very latest concepts in police, communications and knowledge management technology. Whilst the internet and advances in information technology have been readily embraced by the criminal fraternity, we in the Police have at the same time grasped technologies that provide faster, more effective means to counter these and other criminal challenges. This has seen the Force employing some of the most advanced computer forensics and fingerprint identification software currently available.

Significant progress has also been achieved in the Force's move towards even greater efficiency. In support of the HKSAR Government's Enhanced Productivity Programme, we have already amalgamated a number of police stations in Tuen Mun, Kowloon City and Yuen Long. This has not only resulted in more resources being made available for frontline policing, but these amalgamations in themselves have also greatly enhanced the operating efficiency and basic accommodation standards for our operational units.

In similar vein, and looking several years ahead, construction is now well underway on a new complex at the Police Headquarters site. Designed as an operationally efficient, cost-effective facility, the new Headquarters complex will exemplify the progressive, professional organisation we are already developing within the Hong Kong Police.

Enhanced efficiency is not of course derived from physical development alone. I also set priority in developing strategies to ensure we provide a fast, effective response to emergencies and major incidents. The technologies to which I have already alluded form the basis for these strategies, whilst an ongoing commitment to maintain and develop our liaison with police agencies from other jurisdictions continues to be of the utmost importance. We already enjoy close and effective ties with our Mainland as well as Macau Police colleagues and no effort will be spared in working with them to further enhance our own criminal intelligence system in the fight against cross border crime. Similarly, every opportunity will be taken to strengthen existing ties with overseas law enforcement agencies in order to combat the increasing trend towards transnational criminal activities.

A third key area in our development is the Force's commitment to improving service to the public. We have already established and reaped the benefit from the forward thinking Station Improvement Project which has seen the remodeling of report rooms and other public interface areas within police stations. A warmer, more 'user friendly' image for the Force through initiatives such as these can only help build up the all important trust that the public must have in its police officers.

Indeed, when I took up the post of Commissioner at the beginning of 2001, I made customer service one of my main priorities. Effective policing requires a partnership built upon respect and cooperation with the community at large. Again, physical improvements alone, such as the Station Improvement Project, cannot satisfy the increasing demands and requirements of Hong Kong's increasingly sophisticated citizenry. Every member of the public quite correctly demands the highest standards of courtesy and professionalism from the Hong Kong Police. It remains the Force's firm intention therefore that a culture be instilled amongst all frontline staff whereby every member of the public is treated fairly, politely and professionally at all times.

Overall I believe the Force is in excellent shape to face the challenges ahead. New technology has, and will continue to revolutionize the way in which the Force operates. These developments, linked with our strategies for effective frontline policing have greatly enhanced efficiency in all areas of the Force. Similarly, our adoption of modern human resources management strategies continues to ensure the highest standards of discipline, improve the standard of our recruits, enhance internal communication and provide a comprehensive approach to training of our staff.

Through all these areas we have a firm foundation on which to build a constantly evolving, improving service to the community, and I am honoured to lead the professional team of men and women who are making this happen.