Commissioner Tang King-shing is very pleased that the Force has accomplished its three paramount missions for the Beijing Olympics, namely, ensuring the 2008 Olympic Equestrian Events proceed in a smooth and secure manner; ensuring the law and order situation in Hong Kong remains stable, and the Force has the ability to respond to emergencies.

Shortly after the successful conclusion of the Equestrian Events, Mr Tang expressed his heartfelt thanks to officers for contributing to the success of the policing operation for the events.

"My thanks go to not only those who have worked inside or outside venues, but also those who have performed operational support duties, backing up their colleagues on the frontline.

"I must also thank those officers, including those from the Auxiliary Police, who have worked hard in maintaining law and order during the Equestrian Events. During this period, the law and order situation remained stable. Although the events put a strain on police manpower in districts, these officers ably discharged their duties to ensure life in Hong Kong remained unruffled during the events, and ably responded to emergencies, for instance the 5th alarm fire in Mong Kok," he said.

To CP, the policing operation is "unprecedented" in terms of duration, deployment of manpower and resources as well as officers' professionalism.

"For me, our policing operation is a big success, and attests to the teamwork and high morale officers displayed during the whole Equestrian Events. We would not have accomplished our Olympic missions without their hard work and dedication to duties. However I am deeply saddened by the death of PC So Chi-ho in a traffic accident while on escort duty.

"On average the Equestrian Events attracted over 10,000 spectators per day. This is, perhaps, a new record in Hong Kong or elsewhere, but more importantly it shows that our security arrangements had not dampened spectators' enthusiasm for the events!" he noted.

The Chief Executive Officer for the Equestrian Company, Mr W K Lam, also thanked everyone who has taken part in the events.

According to Mr Lam, the Chief Executive, Mr Donald Tsang, after witnessing the successful conclusion to the Equestrian Events, thanked all for proving once again the can-do spirit of Hong Kong and for all the sweat and toil that went into the meticulous preparations.

Mr Lam also relayed that the Vice President, Mr Yang Shu'an, called during the Victory Ceremony to say that he had watched the final competition on TV, congratulated Hong Kong for a job done "exceedingly well" and conveyed the thanks of the Beijing Organising Committee for the Games of the XXIX Olympiad.

Her Royal Highness Princess Haya, the President of the Federation Equestre Internationale, upon departing Hong Kong, also expressed her deep appreciation of Hong Kong's superb efforts in hosting the Equestrian Events so well for all participants.

Turning to the general feedback on the Equestrian Events, it is noted that spectators and VIP guests commented that police security arrangements for the events were "very satisfactory". The longest queuing time for security screening checks at competition venues lasted just 15 minutes, and on most occasions it was a matter of a few minutes.

Meanwhile, a local Chinese daily has reported that the 23 overseas journalists who had responded to its opinion survey, accorded 4.28 points out of a full mark of five for the security arrangements of the Equestrian Events.

Superintendent Lee Kiu-ki from the Key Points and Search Division briefs CP at an entrance of the Sha Tin Venue

The Chief Executive, Mr Donald Tsang, accompanied by Commissioner Tang King-shing, visiting the Police Venue Command Centre at Sha Tin

Flag-raising at medal presentation at the Sha Tin Venue

Officers to raise flags for the medal presentation

Officers on crowd control duties on a footbridge leading to the Sha Tin Venue

Crowds heading for the Sha Tin Venue

Marine officers prevent unauthorised entry into the Shing Mun River Channel

Members of the Police Public Relations Branch's Media Liaison Team are busy helping media representatives at the Sha Tin Venue

A police dog gets a douse of water on a hot day at the Sha Tin Venue

Officers on duty at the Beas River Venue

Officers check every car going into the Sha Tin Venue

Police Negotiator Cadre members are deployed during the Equestrian Events

Officers monitor the situation in a designated public activities area outside the Sha Tin Venue

Officers escorting Mr Jacques Rogge, President of the International Olympic Committee, into the Sha Tin Venue