 Senior Inspector (Field) James Wong compares the old and new baton designs |
EXTENDIBLE
batons will soon be introduced to replace old-style wooden truncheons which have been used
by the Force for decades.
The new batons give frontline officers better alternatives to using lethal force in a dangerous situation. They can be used to fend-off or deter an attacker in line with strategies already in place, and all officers will be taught techniques and tactics for using the batons before they start carrying them on duty. Made of kevlar for light weight and strength, the batons are only 20 cm long when collapsed and can extend to 53 cm when flicked out. |
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Superintendent (Field) Charles Mitchell said one of the biggest advantages was their ability to deter a suspect from violence. "The new batons give a lot more options than the wooden ones, and when used correctly they can be very effective with the right training," Mr Mitchell said. "The feedback we received from the trials showed that when the extendible batons were flicked open, it had a deterrent effect on the suspect who would back out of any violence. Its mere presence was effective and will hopefully reduce the incidents of conflict between officers and suspects." Various models of the batons have been on trial since 1995 and the introduction of the equipment was approved by the Senior Directorate late last year. The straight extendible 53-cm option was favoured over other designs which included side-handled, U-shaped and longer and shorter straight models. The new batons feature a high-grip handle, kevlar body and a metal end which gives it weight to flick-out quickly, and have proved popular among officers. The tender procedure was now underway and Mr Mitchell said the Force was looking at purchasing 10,000 to 13,000 batons to be delivered later this year. | |
Third eye to collar driving offenders
| LOOK
out motorists, prying eyes are watching your every road violation.
Traffic officers are trying out new camera technology which allows them to record road offences from Police motorcycles. Such a system was installed on a Police bike last week and the machine is now doing regular patrols throughout Kowloon West Region. The camera is mounted beneath the front headlight, and allows the officer to tape-record the offences of the vehicle he is following. |
 A technician briefs traffic officers on the camera controls |
 The compact camera is small yet powerful enough to produce sharp video footage |
A portable Hi8 video recorder unit is mounted in the bike's rear pannier and features a small LCD monitor allowing the officer to playback the tape to check an incident, or even point out to a motorist the offence. Officers can conveniently control the system while riding, via thumb-switches on the handlebars. A small status display is also mounted above the speedometer. The system is the same one used by British police, using similar camera technology employed on Grand Prix motorcycles which bring you close-up action from the front and rear of the machines. Chief Ispector/Administration & Support/Traffic Headquarters John Lau To-sang said the system would be tested over three months by officers from each Region who will be invited to give their comments on the equipment. |
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"We have six units similar to these on four wheels, but this is the first one we have installed on a motorbike. So we think it will help us record road offences such as speeding, reckless driving or crossing double lines, and will help us produce evidence," Mr Lau said. The compact camera is barely visible to motorists and yet, despite its small size, it offers high performance with a powerful zoom and clear picture quality. The unit is also calibrated to record the date, time and bike speed, along with the picture. Mr Lau said: "It appears to be a good system, so we will get feedback from Traffic officers from each Region and see what they think. If they like it then hopefully we may be able to buy some units." Senior Inspector/Enforcement & Control/Traffic/New Territories South Rob McOmie tried-out the system on the day of installation and gave it the thumbs-up after a quick spin through the streets around Police Headquarters. "It seems quite good, I think it could be quite useful," he said. | |
