Rural Task Force members on the trail of illegal immigrants who had used an abandoned structure as shelter

TSUEN WAN Division is dotted with three, large country parks - Tai Lam, Tai Mo Shan and Shing Mun - and a long coastal stretch around which residents are sparsely populated. Rugged, remote and popular as these areas are for weekend hikers, the geography also provides a relatively easy access for Illegal Immigrants to land and hide, and for crimes to occur. Because of its topographical characteristics, in March 1996, Tsuen Wan Division set up a four-man Rural Task Force (RTF). This dedicated team of officers under the command of the TW Task Force is responsible for policing the isolated and often inaccessible areas and has since grown to six constables whose effectiveness and high mobility continue to make a big difference in preventing crime, maintaining law and order, and keeping the area safe for its residents.

"The deployment of the Rural Task Force has sped up police response to residents' calls for assistance. The team's familiarity with the geographical environment has been crucial in searches for Illegal Immigrants, especially in the dark when operations are frequently mounted," said ex-TW DVC Law Cheuk-hung who has been recently posted to PTU.

Since its setting up, the policing record of the crack Rural Task Force speaks for itself. The team has so far arrested 101 Illegal Immigrants and 33 overstayers; detected several burglaries and robberies; and smashed three drug cases.

Acting as an outpost for the Division, the Rural Task Force also collects II information and compiles crime data helpful in devising appropriate strategies to tackle the current crime situation as well as projections for the future. In addition, the RTF also provides reconnaissance that is channelled back to the Division for immediate action which may necessitate the involvement of other units such as the Task Force, Patrol Sub-Unit, Emergency Units or, in some cases, the Police Tactical Unit.

"The detailed geographical data that RTF obtains on each village," adds Mr Law, "helps identify strategic observation posts for the Division's operations and manoeuvres, and provides essential logistical support."

Although RTF members (all are serving members of the Tsuen Wan Task Force) usually work in the team for one year, it is not uncommon for many to seek an extension of their tenure - such is their commitment to the job, and their fond attachment to villagers and the rural landscape.

"Establishing a good relationship with the villagers and gaining their trust is very important," said Police Constable So Yat-ming, who has been serving in the RTF since it was set up. "In turn, they take the initiative to update us on the latest crime situation in their village. Their input is invaluable." Notes ex-TW DVC Law Cheuk-hung: "The six RTF officers really appreciate the relationship they have built up with the local villagers - which may explain why two out of the 10 courtesy police officers elected in 1996 came from TW RTF."

Going where few have gone before. The beat of the Rural Task Force is the rugged and remote corners of Tsuen Wan