THE PROCUREMENT of new craft for the Small Boat Division (SBDIV) is part of the Force's on-going effort to maintain Hong Kong as one of the safest and most stable societies in the world. Speaking at a ceremony for commissioning eight new Fast Pursuit Craft at Joss House Bay in Sai Kung, Acting Commissioner of Police, Wong Tsan-kwong said that these vessels were effective in anti-crime patrol as well as deterring smuggling activities and illegal immigration. The vessels will also carry out and assist in search and rescue operations, and perform vessel control duties at festivals. Specially designed for the interception of vessels engaged in illegal activities, the boats can operate independently or be directed by a major patrol launch.

They can also be operated and manoeuvred safely and effectively at extremely high speeds in all sea conditions and offer a high degree of operator comfort in Hong Kong waters up to Beaufort wind force six. The hull of the vessel is robustly constructed with aluminium hull, deck and control console. All materials used are of high quality, durable and resistant to high temperature, humidity and different sea environments. The vessels replaced the old Typhoon 7's which have served the SBDIV for the past nine years. With a total cost of $12 million, the new craft can travel at a speed of 50 knots. Mr Wong thanked the Marine Department's Government New Construction Section and Police Communications Branch for their guidance and technical support; and the Australian ship-building contractor for constructing the vessels.

PLC Security Panel members visit PHQ
SEVEN members of the Provisional Legislative Council (PLC) Panel on Security visited Police Headquarters last month and discussed with Commissioner of Police Hui Ki-on and other senior police officers areas of common concern. They were briefed on the Computer Assisted Fingerprint Identification System at the Identification Bureau and the operation of the 999 Emergency system and other facilities within the Hong Kong Island Regional Command and Control Centre.
The Provisional Legislative Council members also visited North Point Divisional Headquarters and were introduced to the Formation Information Communal System (FICS), a computerised network system that saves enormous time and effort in storing and searching for data and streamlines and improves the day-to-day work of police report rooms. PLC members included: Selina Chow, Elsie Tu, Henry Wu, Ma Fung-kwok, Chan Choi-hi, Kan Fook-yee and Dr Law Cheung-kwok.