Fly like an eagle

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Station Sergeant presents Governor Patten with
a carved eagle
"Thank you and your colleagues very much indeed for the magnificent carved eagle you gave us. You have all looked after us so well during our five years at Government House and your gift will be a good memento of our time here. Lavender joins me in sending you our best wishes . . .Ó

So said Governor Chris Patten thanking police officers at Government House Police Post for their sterling service over the past half-decade - and for a carved eagle they presented him as a memento of his tenure in Hong Kong.

This was the Governor's last visit to the Police Post and we wanted to give him something special," said Station Sergeant Li Chun-wai, the post's officer in charge.

"I told Mr Patten the eagle means power and strength in Chinese culture and that we wish him and his family all the best in the future."

There are 36 police officers working at the Government House Police Post. Their responsibilities include everything from internal security to accepting letters of petition at the House's gates.

SSgt Li's impression of the Governor is that of a "Kind, friendly and very busy man who read documents even in his car when going out."

During his farewell tour of the Police Post, Mr Patten showed much interest in the old pictures of Government House, the Botanical Gardens, Central Police Station and Queen's Pier that hang on the wall of its rest room.


New Force Crest and Badges of Rank Trademarked

APPLICATION has been made to register a trademark and patent on the new Force Crest and Badges of Rank in the name of the Commissioner of Police.

This will have the effect of making these emblems the legal property of the Commissioner and provide legal redress against anyone using them without prior approval.

PGO 11-26 para 1 requires inter alia that: "Designs for ties, scarves, plaques or other items which identify with the Force in any way by use of Force colours, badges, name or initials" require the approval of the Force Colours Committee.

Para 4 states: "No officer shall arrange for the manufacture of any articles bearing the Force colours, badge or the words Royal Hong Kong Police" other than items for individual presentation, without the prior approval of the Commissioner of Police."

No plaques, souvenirs, T-shirts, etc. bearing the Force colours, the new badges or crest may be produced without prior approval. Applications should be made to the Force Colours Committee (att: CSP PS) in the first instance.


Boston Whalers launched

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The CP watches as the new launches
zoom by
SEVEN new patrol boats have joined the Police Inshore Patrol Group after being officially launched by Commissioner of Police, Eddie Hui Ki-on, at Joss House Bay. Mr Hui said the seven new launches had been procured as part of the ongoing commitment of the Force to the policing of Hong Kong's waters.

"They replace the old Police Motor Boats which have served us so well since they first entered service some 25 years ago," he said.

Of the seven new launches, three belong to the smaller version which is capable of speeds in excess of 30 knots while four others are the larger and heavier version with a top speed of 44 knots. Both can carry up to eight persons in addition to the crew.

The Commissioner said the vessels would be deployed in all Sea Divisions and would concentrate operations in Marine West Division which had the new Airport Project and the illegal immigration problems of Deep Bay to contend with.

He thanked the Marine Department's New Craft Section for their guidance, approval and technical support; the Boston Whaler Company and their agent China Pacific Marine, who have designed and built those sturdy launches; and the Policy Branches for their continued support of the Marine Region's Fleet.

Mr Hui also showed appreciation to the Support Bureau of Marine Headquarters for their hard work in putting together the background proposals, the follow through on acquisition, and the subsequent practical work up training for the crews.

The Boston Whalers will strengthen the Group's capability for policing the coastline of the territory. The Inshore Patrol Group supplements larger Hong Kong Police launches that cannot enter shallower waters during the patrolling of typhoon shelters and inshore search and rescue, as well as during anti-illegal immigration and smuggling operations.

Tax deductions for Uniform and Equipment Maintenance

The 1996/97 tax deduction rate granted to members of the Force to cover the maintenance of uniform and equipment remains at HK$1,600. The rate also applies to civilian officers in the Force who are required to wear a uniform in the course of their duties. The deduction will not automatically be given but must be claimed by individual officers in their annual salaries tax return.

Cancellation of Discount Offered by Union Hospital, Shatin

Be informed that the 10 per cent discount offered to Force members by Union Hospital, Shatin, will cease with effect from 1 July 1997. For enquiries please call To Ming-yin, APWO HQ: 2804-1109.


Maid in Hong Kong Cantonese Cooking Classes

IN September, the Police Catering Division will hold a Basic Cantonese Cookery Course for overseas maids working for Force members.

"We continually receive requests from members of the Force to arrange a Cantonese cooking class for their overseas maids to help improve their cooking skills,Ó e xplains Superintendent of Police Catering, David Chung Chuen.

Chinese cooking night classes arranged by the Catering School are very popular with both police officers and civilian staff. The classes are taught by the Catering Sergeant and are always full.

The Basic Cantonese Cookery Course for overseas maids lasts eight weeks and will take place on Saturdays from 3pm to 5pm at the Police Catering School in Tai Po, between 6 September and 1 November at a cost of $800. Each class will teach maids how to prepare two Cantonese dishes and one type of soup. Class size will be limited to 15 students and instruction will be in English. Deadline for enrollment is 29 August.

Enquiries: WIP May Cheung on 2666-4236.









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