In January this year, the Commissioner issued the Statement of Strategic Directions, which outlines the process of planning for the future of the Force. In conjunction with the Strategic Directions and Strategic Action Plan, the Commissioner's Operational Priorities 2008 set out the key operational areas that Force members should focus on during the year ahead.

To address the issues pertinent to Kowloon East Region, the new Kowloon East Regional Commander, Mr Blaine Hoggard, tailored the broad directions and priorities and compiled the Kowloon East Regional Action Plan for 2008.

To ensure all officers are fully aware of the Strategic Directions and Operational Priorities which form the basis of the Action Plan, Mr Hoggard conducted a briefing on February 27 in Tseung Kwan O Police Station for all officers at Chief Inspector rank and above, as well as their civilian counterparts, to introduce and explain the background and content of the Kowloon East Regional Action Plan 2008.

At the briefing, Mr Hoggard highlighted the priorities, which form the foundation of the plan and outlined the additional Local Operational and Management Priorities. Individual Formation Commanders would further complete the process by drawing up their own action plans to meet district requirements. Mr Hoggard emphasised that input from each and every officer in the Region was essential to the success of the action plans and, in this connection, Formation Commanders were tasked with the responsibility of giving clear and specific directions to their officers.

In furtherance of the Commissioner's Operational Priorities, Mr Hoggard has additionally identified indecent assault, pick-pocketing, crimes associated with building and home security and the increase in domestic violence as warranting particular attention in Kowloon East (KE).

The briefing was well received by all officers and by the end of the session they had a clear picture of the long-term management strategy for KE Region.

Mr Hoggard concluded the session by reiterating the need for support, teamwork and commitment by officers at all levels. Both Regional and District Management teams would closely monitor progress on a monthly and quarterly basis.

In closing, Mr Hoggard expressed his appreciation of the good work of all KE officers over the past year and pledged to work closely with them to meet the challenges in the coming year.

Kowloon East Regional Commander Blaine Hoggard calls for support, teamwork and commitment by officers for his Regional Action Plan