The contributions of the Major Incident Investigation & Disaster Support System (MIIDSS) to the fight against SARS last year has formed the subject of a submission for the Stockholm Challenge Award. The award recognises the use of IT for the betterment of livelihood.

CIP Chan Lun outlines MIIDSS' functions at an experience-sharing session

The submission has been short-listed as one of the 16 finalists for the international competition, and it is expected that the results will be announced later this month.

If the submission pulls off the award, it will have a special significance for Chief Inspector Alan Chan Lun, to whom, according to Mr Lo, MIIDSS has been his "loving baby" for the past 13 years.

Mr Lo extended special thanks to Mr Chan for conducting the experience-sharing session for 150 officers from the crime units of Crime Wing, Districts and Regions on his last working day before proceeding on pre-retirement leave.

Mr Lo pointed out that life had become increasingly complex due to the advance of technology and changes in society. "To cope with the changes that we're facing, there is a need for some form of investigation tool to assist our investigation, and MIIDSS has certainly provided an excellent solution for our problems," he noted.

In his presentation on MIIDSS, Mr Chan cited 15 cases to illustrate how this "super computer system" had made major contributions to solving crimes by establishing the culprits' profiles, analysing modus operandi, and providing data and case analysis, etc. The cases highlighted by Mr Chan included chain murders, serial rapes, frauds, major narcotics offences, major burglaries, Public Light Bus robberies, and loan-shark activities.

In an interview with OffBeat, Mr Chan said he thoroughly enjoyed his 26 years' service with the Force, especially the last 13 years with MIIDSS. "It is a privilege for me to have worked with the top detectives in town through MIIDSS, which has provided a very useful service to frontline investigators. MIIDSS' contribution to the war against SARS has brought me a pinacle. It's the first time in Hong Kong that a police system has helped a health organisation to deal with a health problem. I'm very pleased that MIIDSS' contributions have won the praise of the Department of Health and the Hospital Authority, as well as the World Health Organisation. This is a good proof of the saying that 'Police is the agency of the last resort for the community!'" he noted.

"If MIIDSS wins the Stockholm Award, it will be a very fine culmination to my job!" he added.

Speaking of his retirement life, Mr Chan said he would continue to pursue his hobbies of traveling and photography. To share experience of his hobbies, he has set up a website, http://www.chanlun.com.

"After my retirement, my link with the Force will not cease because I've teamed up with some colleagues to form a 12-member band. We practise in Kai Tak Operational Base every week," he concluded.

Flash back of MIIDSS in action during last year's SARS crisis