ENG-1956 — Page 230

LAW AND ORDER

185

Although other methods of police watch and ward, such as motor patrols, are more economical in manpower, they are too impersonal to meet basic requirements and to fulfil the public need-they must continue, therefore, as units ancillary to and in support of the man on the beat. Three Emergency Units, one each in Hong Kong, Kowloon, and the New Territories, provide a tactical reserve, ready at all times for special operations or to deal speedily with any threatening situation. Mobile, and controlled by radio, these units can be operated with considerable flexibility, and their usefulness in dealing with disasters and the threat of disorder has been well established.

The Colony's importance as an international cross-roads accentuates the need for close liaison between the Hong Kong Police and the police forces of other countries, not only of neighbouring territories, but frequently farther afield in almost all parts of the world. Confidence tricksters and commercial swindlers have attempted to use the Colony as a convenient 'hideout' following the perpetration of crime or fraud elsewhere. In many cases C.I.D. inquiries have been made as far abroad as Amsterdam, Karachi and South Africa. Without the closest international police relationship, detec- tion of offenders in these cases is virtually impossible.

The New Territories have special and peculiar problems, many of which do not apply in the urban areas of Kowloon or Victoria. The long coastline and common frontier with China impose numerous problems and difficulties, and there have been many occasions calling for the utmost tact and resourcefulness in police work in these areas. Much of the coverage depends on village penetration patrols, each con- sisting of a N.C.O. and two or three constables, who visit the more remote villages on patrols lasting for three or four days. The frontier is policed from three main stations and twelve forward posts. Unlawful immigration and smuggling activities are matters which demand constant attention by the police in the New Territories.