Accompanying the members on the visit were Director of Management Services Tang How-kong, Assistant Commissioner (Service Quality) Wong Fook-chuen and Complaints and Internal Investigations Branch (C&IIB) Chief Superintendent Duncan McCosh.

CDIST Commander Peter Morgan and Deputy Commander Law Cheuk-hung briefed the visitors on the characteristics of Central District, as well as the work and difficulties of policing public order events. Following the briefing, the IPCC members met with officers from CDIST, Emergency Unit and Police Tactical Unit Hong Kong Island at an open forum to get a better idea of how the officers strike a balance among respecting right of expression, maintaining public safety and minimising inconvenience to the public whilst handling such events.

It was pointed out during the visit that the Force respects people's right of expression and facilitates all peaceful and lawful public order events in an impartial manner. It was also stressed that everybody should respect and abide by the law.

C&IIB organised the visit as part of a programme to enhance IPCC members' understanding of the difficulties officers face in policing public order events. C&IIB will also arrange visits to other units for the members to see frontline police work.

Briefing on public order events for IPCC members in session