PUBLIC ORDER
In line with the Station Improvement Project, a programme of introducing standardised force corporate colours and finishes has begun. It will create a standard, recognisable look that can be associated with the force's image while retaining the individual identity of buildings.
Planning for the comprehensive redevelopment of Police Headquarters (PHQ) within the Arsenal Yard site is at an advanced stage. A modernised PHQ will be built at the site currently occupied by May House and the external car parking area to provide accommodation for officers presently housed in Caine House, May House, Wan Chai Police Station and various PHQ units in leased accommodation. Demolition and construction work is scheduled to start in mid-1999 for completion by early 2004.
Three replacement Regional Headquarters complexes were advanced in their planning phases throughout the year. These include combined operational bases, with Regional Headquarters for Kowloon East, Kowloon West and New Territories South Regions. They are planned for completion in 2003 and 2004.
Plans are also well advanced for the construction of 384 Junior Police Officers' (JPO) quarters in Tung Chung new town by January 2002. An operational base for Traffic Police operating in North Lantau will also be built as part of this project.
During the year, an extensive programme of conversion and refurbishment works has been carried out at various police stations and other facilities in Border District following the amalgamation of the Field Patrol Detachment into the Border District.
Planning is under way to redevelop the Marine Police Divisional Headquarters at Ma Liu Shui into a new Marine Police Outer Waters District and Divisional Headquarters and to provide accommodation for a Traffic Police unit. An adjacent site is earmarked for the construction of a police vehicle examination centre and a detention pound and weigh station.
During 1998, a working group was set up to study the duties of beat officers, with a view to creating a formula which could be used to define a beat area. When pilot studies are completed, the formula will be finalised by July 1999.
Communications
Facilities have been upgraded in all Police 999 Emergency Call Centres with caller number display installed to enable quicker responses to emergency calls. A management information system has been developed to provide fast and reliable 999 management statistics.
Replacement of radio control facilities for the Mass Transit Railway District was finished. The PTU was provided with radios of an advanced model and the Police Communication System for the new airport was completed.
Planning and development for other major communication projects are proceeding, including the provision of a radio system for the Criminal Intelligence and Narcotics Bureaux, a new Marine Police Communications System and a replacement for the Air-to-Ground Police System. Research has also begun for the development of the force's third generation Command and Control Communications System.
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