To highlight to members of the Force the unique challenges which policing a railway system poses, starting from this issue of OffBeat, a series of three articles will be published that will give an insight into the dynamic and rewarding aspects of policing Hong Kong's principal transportation system.

In the first of the series, we will take a look at how the railway system has developed, what is in store for the future and how Railway District (RAILDIST) is changing together with the system to face the challenges of the future.

Development of the Railway System

This year will mark the 30th anniversary since the "MTR" came into operation in 1979. At that time, although a major development in terms of public transportation in Hong Kong, it was fairly limited, with only15 stations, when compared to what it is today. After three decades of development, the whole railway system has increased to 82 stations with a daily throughput of almost four million passengers.

The merger of the MTRC and KCRC in 2007 heralded in a new chapter of the history of railways in Hong Kong. Following on from this significant milestone, the next few years will witness a massive expansion of the railway system at a rapid pace, thrusting Hong Kong into the forefront of urban railway transportation systems. Amongst the new developments are the Kowloon Southern Link, Tseung Kwan O Line Extension, Shatin to Central Link, South Island Line, West Island Line, Kwun Tong Line Extension, and the Guangzhou-Shenzhen-Hong Kong Rail Link. All these developments will involve huge construction and infrastructure works and with an increase in the number of stations from the current 82 to more than 120. This will have major knock on effect in terms of policing not just for RAILDIST, but also for surface Districts throughout Hong Kong.

The New District Logo

As the railway system continues to grow, so will the responsibilities of RAILDIST. In order to ensure that the District is fully prepared to undertake the challenges posed by the future and to enhance our officers' awareness of the unique aspects of railway policing, professional knowledge and ability, the District is undergoing a series of change initiatives. One of the initiatives was the revamping of the District Logo.

The new District Logo, selected following a keenly contested competition attracting 120 entries, has transformed the word "RAIL" into a train, using six colours to represent the six Police lines which make up the District. The design epitomizes the District's drive to implement the strategic direction set by the Commissioner and to keep on track the District's ability to cope with a changing environment in its pursuit of delivering the highest possible levels of service to the community.

Other Changes

With such new developments to the railway system, it is also necessary for RAILDIST to move on with the times and ensure that its identity and focus also develop. In this regard the new District logo design competition was only one of the change initiatives. RAILDIST is also conducting a review of railway policing over the past three decades, so as to revamp policing strategies to ensure that the District stands ready to respond to the latest railway developments. Other change projects are in the fields of education, awareness and recruitment, with the ultimate goal being to ensure that the District stands at the forefront of 21st century railway policing and that it is prepared and ready to meet new challenges to ensure that Hong Kong's principal mode of public transport remains safe and secure.

In the next edition of OffBeat, we will see how RAILDIST adopts an integrated policing approach to face the challenges of ensuring the safety and security of the railway system and maintaining law and order. Included will be an insight into how the District adopts a multi-agency approach in close collaboration with its partners, both externally and within the Force, and the challenges posed in the fields of counter terrorism and emergency management to guarantee that RAILDIST stands ready to respond to all contingencies.