Deputy Commissioner (Operations) Tang King-shing stated this when he officiated at this magnificent complex's opening ceremony on May 3.

Accommodated at a succession of converted premises in the New Territories for over 50 years, the complex is the first purpose-built training and breeding facility for the Police Dog Unit, in addition to being the first purpose-built training facility for the Force's search cadre.

Mr Tang said the search school features simulated commercial and residential premises, where officers might be trained to conduct security searches in a methodical manner - being closely monitored by a CCTV system; and where they might be given the opportunity to use the rather bulky but sophisticated equipment for such operations.

He pointed out that in order to optimise training resources, it was only logical that the Police Dog Unit Headquarters and the Force's Search Unit Training School should be housed together in a single complex. "Working together and complementing each other in security operations, both Units will undoubtedly benefit tremendously from all of the combined training facilities that this complex provides," he said.

To conserve energy and to promote environmental awareness, Mr Tang continued, the complex features a hot water system which utilises solar energy; the installation of large windows and glass ceilings to maximise the use of natural lighting; and the extensive use of plants and trees to provide shade to reduce temperatures for resident dogs during the summer months, and to partially filter out noise from dogs barking.

"Visually, the plants also provide a barrier, which strikes a good balance between dogs being over or under stimulated. Last but not least, these trees and plants that all of you see here are maintained using sustainable and environmentally friendly organic horticultural methods," he said.

Before closing his address and inviting the guests to tour the facility, Mr Tang thanked those responsible for making the concept a reality.

"Firstly I would like to thank the Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, and in particular, Ms Jill Cheshire, who at the time was working part-time for the Society, for her exhibition of selflessness in providing so much information and advice on the building of animal facilities and dog kennels," he noted.

Mr Tang also expressed gratitude to the other parties involved in the project, including the Architectural Services Department, Electrical and Mechanical Services Department, the Force's Planning and Development Branch and various contractors.

Canine members of the Force show their skills and abilities at the opening ceremony