ENG-2000 — Page 380

PUBLIC ORDER

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Planning and Development

Funding for the construction of a modern state-of-the art Police Headquarters complex on the old May House site was approved by the Finance Committee of the Legislative Council in April. The complex will incorporate the new Wan Chai District and Divisional Police Station as well as other supporting facilities. It will also house various headquarters units that are currently accommodated in Caine House and other units located in leased premises. Construction work commenced in November and the complex is scheduled for completion in April 2004.

Following the successful pilot refurbishment of three police stations in North Point, Sau Mau Ping and Sha Tin which substantially enhanced the public interface areas and reinforced the Police Force's corporate image through the use of standardised colours, finishes and furnishings - a comprehensive Police Station Improvement Programme is under way. A total of 59 police stations and operational bases are being improved, with 32 expected to be completed by March 2001, and the remainder in 2002. At the same time, a force-wide interfaced police station security system is being installed which provides the most modern technology and also makes significant savings in manpower.

Planning for the construction of a divisional police station at Tai Kok Tsui is continuing. Upon completion, Mong Kok District will expand to two divisions to enhance policing in the West Kowloon Reclamation area. Adjacent to the Tai Kok Tsui Police Station, a new Kowloon West Regional Headquarters cum Operational Base is being planned in order to improve the efficiency of various operational units that are currently housed at different locations and to provide a better service to the public. A similar New Territories South Regional Headquarters and Operational Base, to be located in Tsuen Wan, is also under planning.

The construction of the Tactical Training Complex at the Police Training School in Wong Chuk Hang is making good progress. This training facility will become operational in May 2001.

A new Disciplined Services Sports and Recreation Club at So Kun Po will be open for use by the seven disciplined services in early 2001.

Transport

Operating over 2 500 vehicles, the Police Force is keenly aware of the need to move towards the deployment of environmentally friendly vehicles. The force and the Government Land Transport Administrator are working together to identify vehicles that can run on alternative fuel and still enable operational commitments to be fulfilled. The Police Force is also continuously examining its Occupational Safety and Health responsibilities with a view to improving and modifying its vehicles to ensure a safer working environment. Meanwhile, the Transport Management Information System 2 is being enhanced in phases to take advantage of the fleet management opportunities offered by increased computerisation.

Communications

The phased implementation of the Marine Police Communications System, which has data transmission and positioning graphics capability, commenced in October. The anti-illegal immigrant video surveillance system in the vicinity of the Hong Kong Wetland Park, Tin Shui Wai, was installed and commissioned during the year.