PUBLIC ORDER
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The force's fortnightly newspaper, OffBeat, was upgraded to a full-colour publication, providing a wide range of information on police events, personnel and activities. The home page of the newspaper was also improved with bilingual content disseminated promptly through the Internet. Together with other ISD staff, the officers produced a new package of publicity materials to promote the fight against crime.
The branch is also responsible for issuing permits related to film production when use of simulated uniforms or modified firearms and blank ammunition is involved. It also serves as a link between the film industry and police formations and plays a liaison role with other government departments.
Planning and Development
Planning for the comprehensive development of Police Headquarters (PHQ) is at an advanced stage. The reprovisioning of essential facilities is on schedule and includes the demolition of May House to make way for a modern, purpose-built Police Headquarters complex. The complex will incorporate Wan Chai District and Divisional Police Station and other supporting facilities. It will also house various PHQ units that are currently accommodated in Caine House and other PHQ units located in leased premises. The construction works will take about four years.
North Point, Sau Mau Ping and Sha Tin police stations underwent major refurbishment following pilot studies on improving the physical environment of police stations with a view to enhancing the quality of service provided. The force's corporate image was reinforced using standardised colours, finishes and furnishings. Feedback has been positive and funds have been secured to carry out similar improvements to 59 other police stations and operational bases over the next three years.
Preparatory work is also at an advanced stage for the construction of a divisional police station at Tai Kok Tsui to serve the area as well as the increasing population in the central and northern parts of the West Kowloon Reclamation. This will expand Mong Kok District, based at Prince Edward Road, into two divisions and will ensure adequate front-line policing in this busy area in the future.
Funds have been provided for the provision of a new state-of-the-art weapons training facility at the Police Training School. The construction of a specially designed Tactical Training Complex began in November and it will become operational in May 2001.
A Disciplined Services Sports and Recreation Club is being built at So Kun Po. This new club, scheduled for opening in mid-2000, will provide a wide variety of sports and recreational facilities.
Transport
The force has an establishment of over 2 500 vehicles, including 484 large motorcycles for traffic duties and 376 small motorcycles for general duties. In order to efficiently manage this large and diverse fleet, a new fleet management computer system was introduced in July. The system is linked to the Government Land Transport Administration and the Electrical and Mechanical Services Department as well as the force's Traffic Operations Management System.