ENG-1957 — Page 268

LAW AND ORDER

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Other methods of Police watch and ward, such as radio car patrols, support the man on the beat and are readily available to assist members of the public. In each of the three Districts of Hong Kong Island, Kowloon, and the New Territories, there are Emergency Units which provide a tactical reserve ready at all times for special operations or to deal speedily with any localized disorder or disaster.

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 in almost all parts of the world. As part of this close interna- tional police relationship, the Hong Kong Police frequently entertain Police Officers from other countries who have come to study methods employed here.

The New Territories with its long coastline and common land frontier with China presents problems which require the utmost tact and resourcefulness. Police in these areas work closely with the inhabitants and excellent relations are maintained. In addition to their watch and ward duties, the Police foster these relations in many ways such as the trans- portation to remote areas of St. John Ambulance Brigade personnel, cinema shows, and performances by the Police Band. Much of the supervision in the remoter parts depends upon the Village Penetration Patrols which operate away from base for periods of three or four days. The heavily indented coastline and the easy sea approaches to the Colony present many problems, particularly that of illegal immigra- tion. However, the co-ordination of land and sea patrols is meeting with some measure of success.

The Force is also responsible, through its Marine Division, for patrolling 600 square miles of territorial waters in which scores of islands, large and small, are situated. In the Port of Victoria, one of the world's greatest harbours, the task of maintaining order and enforcing shipping regulations is complicated by thousands of native craft which ply to and from the Colony and anchor within its waters.