PPRB's replies to the media

A press release was issued April 4, refuting newspaper reports which misquoted Commissioner Tsang Yam-pui as saying during an April 2 radio show, that Security Bureau was considering re-establishing Special Branch.

The release reiterated he said nothing to the effect that the Bureau was considering re-establishing the Branch in the context of its study on Article 23 of the Basic Law.

It clarified that what he had said, was that the Bureau was considering legislation concerning BL 23, and the role of Police in enforcing the legislation would be studied later.

- A letter was sent to a Chinese-language newspaper rebutting its April 2 report that administrative work and statutory training hours for Auxiliaries of Senior Inspector rank and above had been slashed.

It clarified that after a review, meeting proposals were established for Auxiliaries to strengthen communication with Force Management, and it also outlined the number of hours relevant Auxiliary ranks could spend on administrative work related to training.

- A letter was sent to another Chinese-language paper rebuking its April 13 report claiming that a case of firearms being smuggled into the Mainland had been detected for the first time and the Organised Crime and Triad Bureau was involved in the investigation. It reiterated the items found were toys and the container driver was released, adding OCTB had not been informed by Mainland authorities of the seizure nor had it taken any part in it.

- A letter was sent to an English-language paper responding to questions raised by a reader (published April 9) over the Public Order Ordinance. It outlined the Ordinance and the importance of advance notification to Police of large processions and gatherings.

- A rebuttal was sent to a Chinese-language paper refuting its April 6 report alleging Police Negotiation Cadre officers did not proceed immediately to a scene when called.

It clarified that as they were volunteers, PNC officers were often engaged in their normal duties. It maintained the Force had adequate manpower to deal with such situations, and said the report was unfair to PNC officers who all had a strong sense of mission.

- A letter was sent to another Chinese-language paper March 30, clarifying that reporters covering film shooting on the Island Eastern Corridor were moved by police as it was dangerous having them on the expressway, which had no pedestrian facilities.

* More details on these replies can be found on PEN