Policing a population of seven million requires the co-operation and coordination of all formations and a concerted effort of all frontline officers. In Hong Kong, policing starts with strategic planning with the formulation of Controlling Officer's Report (COR), Strategic Action Plan (SAP) and Commissioner's Operational Priorities (COP). These strategic documents are formed out of current concerns and likely future challenges identified through environmental scanning, discussions with major formation commanders, and a vigorous review process.

Translating COR, SAP and COP into policing practices, the result is a multi-level policing framework.

Force operational priorities are implemented in Regions through Regional business plans. Regions maintain uniform practice in their districts, which in turn oversee their divisions. Regional Commanders have full autonomy in day-to-day policing. At the same time the Regional Commander is accountable for the execution of headquarters policies and priorities. This strategy suits Hong Kong where society as a whole faces the same threats and challenges while local communities have unique policing needs. The strategy balances demands and interests from all communities in overall policing policy while district-specific interests are addressed locally.

Policing in Regions are district-based. Regional priorities cascade down to the districts, which, depending on its local circumstances, devise their district policing priorities. Divisions are the basic frontline operational units. A division has an action plan that supports district priorities. Frontline operational staff and constables on the beat are made aware of regional and district priorities through the divisional action plan, unit commander's briefings, district website and Training Day open forums attended by their District Commander and Divisional Commander. Meanwhile, policing needs of the community are reflected upwards from frontline policing units through divisions, districts and regions to top management. Resource allocation coming from Police Headquarters (PHQ) is arbitrated by the Regional Commander according to district needs and operational commitment. Regional operational support to the district is given in the form of regional resources such as Regional Crime Units, Police Tactical Unit (PTU) Company, Emergency Unit (EU) and Regional Traffic Teams.

An officer on the beat is supported by other officers within the beat, by neighbouring beats, and the sectors within the division. Resources converge to provide multi-level, multi-functional supportive service. This would mean that a beat officer is also reinforced by Regional and District duties for example the PTU, EU, traffic officers, plainclothes officers on the street, and Special Duties Squad.

Besides, through the beat radio system, the officer is connected to the Regional Command and Control Centre (RCCC) and is able to access information from Force systems such as Enhanced Police Operational Nominal Index Computer System (EPONICS), and Vehicle and Drivers Licensing Integrated Data System (VALID III). The RCCC, effectively controlling regional and district resources and being the conduit of communication with the Headquarters, is instrumental in mobilising Force resources, which means the officer on the ground is effectively reinforced by Force resources.

Further Reading

* Force Procedures Manual Chapter 68 " Force Strategic Management Framework".

* HKPF (2006) "Co-operation for a Safe and Stable Society" in Hong Kong Police Review 2006, pp. 28-35. (Available in the Force Library)

"Policing in Hong Kong" Report Series 5 of 11