CCDiv officers will be able to spend more time at home with their families under the new shift system.

The introduction of 24-hour ferry services to outlying islands on April 1 has enabled the Division to revise its duty roster system under which evening shift officers can head home after work rather than staying in Police Station dormitories.

The Division, responsible for policing Cheung Chau, Lamma Island and Peng Chau, is the latest in Marine Region to introduce the new shift pattern.

Under the previous system, CCDiv officers usually did not return to their homes after their evening shifts finished at 11.15 pm.

Most rested in the dormitories until duties resumed at 6.30 am the next day.

Chief Superintendent (Administration and Support) of Marine Headquarters Stuart Wringe said: "The Police management has been looking for ways to improve the situation."

"The Police management, in consultation with Cheung Chau Division, has revised the duty roster for these officers to fit in with the revised ferry services which began operating around the clock on April 1."

Under the new system which started on April 18, the uniformed Marine Police officers attached to CCDiv work for eight-and-a-quarter hours per shift and rest of about 16 hours before taking up their next shift.

Their working hours are the same as their land Region counterparts at 96-and-a-quarter hours every fortnight. The number of officers on patrol in CCDiv is the same as under the previous system while at the same time, the officers have more time to share with their family members.

"In this way officers can return to their homes to rest after work with no need to stay on the islands to wait for the next shift," Mr Wringe said.

The Police management hopes the new system will further promote healthier lifestyles and enhance working efficiency.

It will be reviewed after three months and may be fine tuned if necessary.