Following two years of careful and structured deliberations, Commissioner Tang King-shing has reaffirmed that the Force will continue with the existing Strategic Directions (SDs) and he has released a new set of Strategic Action Plans (SAP) for 2010-2012, which are aimed at achieving the objectives of the SDs.

The four Force SDs are:

* Engaging the Community;

* Enhancing the Personal and Professional Qualities of Force Members;

* Strengthening Criminal Intelligence Gathering Force-wide, and

* Supporting Frontline Units.

CP pointed out that when the SDs were introduced to the Force in January 2008, they were considered to be long-term commitments that would very likely go beyond the three-year horizon normally adopted for strategic planning.

Commenting on the planning process, Mr Tang observed: "I have involved all Commissioner Ranked Officers in drawing up the SAP 2010-2012 and, as a result of this thorough planning process, I am able to confirm the Force's commitment to the SDs for the longer term."

He added: " The critical issues that led us to set the four SDs in 2008 still exist today and, although we have made good progress, we must continue to work towards these strategic objectives. The SAP 2010-2012 comprises 17 Key Projects in support of the SDs, many of which build on the foundations that have been laid through your dedicated commitment in pursuing the previous SAP.

"Continuity of effort is of paramount importance if we are to achieve the aims of the SDs and moreover we must recognise it will take time for projects to come to fruition. However, I will be looking for tangible results in the next couple of years both through the SAP Key Projects and, just as important, through the locally generated Actions Plans." commented CP.

Based on the SDs and the SAP 2010-2012 and, in conjunction with the Commissioner's Operational Priorities (COPs) 2010, Major Formation Commanders and Formation Commanders will update their respective Action Plans according to their respective local operational and management priorities.

CP emphasised: "The Key Projects in the SAP are designed to support the SDs. Moreover, to meet the strategic objectives of the SDs across the Force, it is essential for commanders at Major Formation and Formation levels to cascade these and to take the initiative to formulate and manage their Action Plans, taking into account issues relevant to their own commands. Major Formation and Formation Action Plans should be focussed on a manageable number of projects or initiatives to address local operational and management priorities."

In order to promote a better understanding of the SAP 2010-2012, CP and the Senior Directorate Group will be holding a briefing for all Senior Superintendents and above, including the Auxiliaries and civilian equivalents, later this month.

CP stressed: "It is for commanders at all levels to appreciate the context of the SDs and the SAP, and equally important to ensure that frontline staff in their respective commands fully understand their role in meeting the objectives."