HONG KONG ANNUAL REPORT, 1954
training (including the use of tear smoke), unarmed combat and first aid. The Marine Police are addi- tionally trained in seamanship, port regulations and signalling. All Chinese recruits are taught basic English at the school which is followed by more advanced lessons during subsequent service. All non- Chinese members of the Force are required to qualify in Cantonese as part of their professional examinations. Three hundred and sixteen recruits of all ranks com- pleted their training during the year.
Advanced training courses of two or four weeks are now taken regularly by both the inspectorate and the rank and file.
Communications--The Communications branch of the Force controls and operates the radio networks, telephones and teleprinters. The main radio network controls the radio equipped cars which are on patrol throughout the 24 hours of the day and which are available to answer any calls received over the 999 telephone system. There are also two networks in the New Territories, one covering the border stations and the other the inland stations and patrol cars, and two marine networks covering cruising and harbour launches. In addition there are three emergency net- works which, when in operation, enable contact to be maintained between the two territorial commands and the Central Operations Room at Police Headquarters.
All police stations and offices are linked by telephone through three main exchanges in Hong Kong, Kowloon and the New Territories.
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