PUBLIC ORDER
282
Planning is also well advanced for a new vehicle pound and vehicle examination facility to be built near Tai Po. This facility will enhance the ability of the Traffic Police to enforce legislation regarding the construction and use of vehicles, and will also enable obstructions to be more rapidly removed from major roads in the area. It will be the precursor of similar facilities elsewhere in the New Territories and Kowloon.
The arming of woman police has also had an impact on the Force's building programme. The decision to attach woman officers to the PTU for the first time in its history necessitated a programme to provide suitable accommodation for these officers.
The disposal of former military sites in consequence of the Defence Lands Agreement, concluded in 1994, has also created a need for new facilities for the Force. Planning for a new depot for the Field Patrol Detachment to replace its existing accommodation at the former Burma Lines began during the year, and planning continues for an urban close-quarters battle range at Man Kam To to replace the former military facility at Nim Wan. The acquisition of military ranges for use by the Force is also being pursued.
A comprehensive reappraisal of the report room complex in Police stations is being undertaken in conjunction with an existing project to upgrade all report rooms, both technologically and physically, making them more user-friendly to the public. Micro- computers are replacing the old books and ledgers that used to crowd the report room counter. Interview rooms are being specially designed, furnished and equipped for the purpose. Bright lights, bright colours, comfortable furniture and suitable amenities are being provided.
With a view to putting more officers on the beat rather than guarding Police stations and watching detainees in cells, two projects are being developed: the automation of station security in the use of smart-card access, automatic barriers and CCTV monitoring; and the installation of an intercom and buzzer system in every Police cell, linked to a console beside the duty officer's desk.
The Auxiliary Police Force has temporary headquarters at the former military establishment of Blackdown Barracks. New, purpose-built premises in Kowloon Bay are scheduled for completion in June 1997.
Planning went ahead for several facilities to cater for the rapid infrastructural development in the territory. These included a new Kowloon West Regional Headquarters complex and a new Mong Kok District Headquarters and Tai Kok Tsui Divisional Police Station on the Kowloon West Reclamation.
A Police Property Steering Group, comprising representatives from all relevant government branches and departments, was formed to monitor the Police building projects. One of its major tasks is to formulate a comprehensive property strategy for the Force for the next 10 to 15 years.
Communications
Interactive voice-response systems are being installed in the PPRB, the Licensing Office, the Certificate of No Criminal Conviction Office and the Force Recruitment Group to help handle public enquiries. To enhance the quality of the 999 hotline service, a bilingual recorded message has been installed. When all operators are busy,