The Hong Kong Police Review 2007 has been published, highlighting the work in the past year and shedding light on the key tasks lying ahead.

In his foreword, Commissioner Tang King-shing said the Force faced a heavy operational calendar throughout the year and the summer months proved to be a particularly busy time for frontline units. Apart from being heavily engaged in various operations connected with celebrations for the 10th Anniversary of the establishment of the HKSAR, which included the visit of President Hu Jintao and the Good Luck Beijing - HKSAR 10th Anniversary Cup equestrian event, they were also required to manage a series of prolonged, and often volatile, demonstrations.

As regards the general crime picture in 2007, Mr Tang said Hong Kong is a safe city, with the overall crime rate standing at 1,167 cases per 100,000 residents, a decrease of 1.3 per cent, compared with 2006. There was a significant decline in reports of homicide, robbery, burglary, missing vehicle and triad-related crime, and all these crimes were at their lowest levels for the past decade.

Looking ahead, CP pointed out that the Olympic and Paralympic Equestrian Events would probably be the biggest challenge the Force would face in 2008. Other significant events for the Force during the year included the 20th Interpol Asian Regional Conference in March and the Legislative Council elections in September.

Copies of the full colour publication will soon be distributed to Formations.