Net appeal DEAR SIR, Hi! As a frequent user of the internet, I find the Force webpage very useful in keeping in touch with, and enlightened about, the Hong Kong Police Force - especially through the updated OFFBEAT, which is very convenient and informative for users. Keep up the good effort. Yours sincerely, Stephen LAW stay@HKabc.net

Cyanide DEAR SIR, Now that the cyanide incident at Tai Po Road on 4 December 97 is behind us, I am writing to thank Mr Peter Wong Tsan-kwong, Acting Commissioner of Police, and his staff for the professionalism and efficiency demonstrated in handling the incident. Mr Wong, please pass the word to your colleagues that their efforts and work have been appreciated by senior officers in the Government. Yours sincerely, Raymond H C Wong, Acting Secretary for Security

Note of thanks DEAR EDDIE (Hui Ki-on), I write to thank you most sincerely for the tremendous support and co-operation of your Force for our enforcement efforts against unregistered schools. Your officers' prompt action and their skillful and painstaking steps in gathering evidence have to date brought about the successful prosecution of six unregistered schools with six operators and eight teachers fined. I am well aware that the increase in the number of cases referred to has put further strain on your Force. Please convey my sincerest appreciation to them for their warm support and contribution to effective enforcement of the law in the interest of Hong Kong. I look forward to your continuing co-operation. Warmest regards, Helen C P Lai Yu, Director of Education

Force Desk Diary DEAR SIR, I have just received my copy of the 1998 Force Desk Diary. Excellent looking item it is too. Begins with the Vision and Statement of Common Purpose and Values. Great stuff - "striving for excellence in all that we do", "Professionalism", and "Dedication to quality service and continuous improvement". Isn't it a great shame then that the proof reader was not also made to read the Vision and Statement of Common Purpose and Values - and to follow it. Note on the next page "HONG KOPNG ISLAND REGION", "Tin Sam", and the fact that Lantau remains as part of Marine Region. Nearly two years out of date. And what happened to Chek Lap Kok District, which has been fully operational since mid-September? I would also suggest that under the list of Police Hotlines, a number for PHQ itself be included. Yours sincerely, Chris Wilson DDC CLKDIST REPLY . . . DEAR SIR, Thank you for the DCC's letter. The errors were simultaneously detected by our staff amongst the 31 seasonal items produced for Christmas and the New Year. Remedial action was taken immediately. By the time this reply is published, purchasers should have received the corrigendum from the contractor, Yorkview Co Ltd, for insertion into their diaries. We apologise for the inconvenience caused. To Ming-yin for CSP PS

CIP Alan Crowther getting shaved for charity A reader comments DEAR SIR, Having read the articles on "Crimebusting Dogs Becoming Essential Members of EU Car Crews", and "Things get Hairy at Operation Santa Clause", in the last edition of OFFBEAT (623), I wondered whether anyone had thought of keeping Alan Crowther in a cage in the back of an EU patrol car, until such time as he was needed? Joking apart, well done Alan, WPC Fung and police dog Artemis! Yours, Dave Grant ADC Crime YT