ENG-1973 — Page 177

PUBLIC ORDER

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Communications and Transport Branch

The Communications and Transport Branch plans, installs, commissions and maintains the electronic equipment which makes the force one of the most sophis- ticated and modern detection agencies in the world. Transport management and driver training are also its responsibilities.

During the year the first step was taken to equip beat policemen in urban areas with portable radios. Planning of this scheme is well advanced and major progress is expected in 1974. Throughout the year 1,586 radios and 24 radar installations were in operation. There are six main radio systems, two territory-wide and four district networks. Five other networks are provided for the mobile units of the District Internal Security Force. In April 1973 a two-way computer-controlled teleprinter system was installed, greatly improving communications within the force.

The vehicle establishment comprises 1,114 units, including motorcycles and specialised vehicles. Drivers are trained at the Police Driving School on Hong Kong Island.

Police Tactical Unit

The Police Tactical Unit (PTU) is a formation of highly-trained policemen and women able to act as an immediate striking force in the event of civil disturbances. Their main responsibilities are crowd control and the maintenance of internal security.

Based at Fanling in the New Territories it consists of 16 platoons—two four- platoon companies at the PTU base, two three-platoon companies attached to Kowloon and Hong Kong Island districts, and two platoons in the New Territories District. Squads under training and on district attachment perform 24-hour reserve duties on a rota system.

All police officers, as part of their career in Hong Kong, undergo training at the PTU, normally during their third year of service. There is a basic training phase of three months followed by a three-month district attachment in company formation. Police women are instructed mainly in crowd control techniques, predominantly the handling of passive resisters.

Police Training School

The Police Training School has undergone a transformation since moving to its present site at Wong Chuk Hang in 1948. The latest expansion programme which started in 1972 is expected to be completed by the end of 1974. The school's main function is to provide a six-month basic training course for newly recruited inspectors and constables. Recruitment of both probationary inspectors and recruit constables was higher than in the previous year. The latest expansion will provide additional training facilities and accommodation for 300 police officers to attend simultaneously in-service/continuation/advanced training courses varying in duration from three weeks to three months.