ENG-2003 — Page 385

PUBLIC ORDER

reduction in the licence renewal fee. In addition, the processing time for licence. applications has been shortened.

Marine Region

In line with the principles of the Police Force's Strategic Directions, the Marine Region has been carrying out extensive research into the operating protocols and priorities required for policing the waters of Hong Kong for the next 10 to 15 years, and making provision for adherence to the International Ship and Port Facility Security Code (ISPS Code) due for implementation in July 2004. Technologically advanced coastal surveillance systems, together with fast intercept craft linked by an enhanced radar system, are considered a practical and cost-efficient response to the future policing and security concepts identified. Enforcement action continued throughout the year, particularly with regard to illegal immigration and smuggling, as well as other forms of illegal activity in Hong Kong waters.

Public Relations

The Police Public Relations Branch (PPRB) plays a vital role in explaining police work to the media and the public as well as strengthening relationships in order to enlist the public's support in the maintenance of law and order.

Police Community Relations Officers attached to different districts work closely with representatives from government departments and organisations to keep the public well informed of police policies and operational priorities.

During the year, the Secondary School Liaison Officers Programme and the Junior Police Call Scheme continued to serve as bridges between the police and youngsters. Membership of the scheme stood at 144 043 at year-end.

In conjunction with Radio Television Hong Kong (RTHK), the Police Force produces two weekly television programmes, the 30-minute Police Magazine in Cantonese and the five-minute Police Report in English to keep the public abreast of prevalent crime trends and to appeal for information that will help officers in investigations.

Celebrating its 30th anniversary in 2003, Police Magazine continued to enjoy high ratings while enhancing cooperation between the Police Force and the community.

The PPRB and RTHK jointly produced a new television programme, On the Beat, which made its debut in January. It aimed to further enhance the image of the Police Force and promote public understanding of police work. One of its episodes, entitled The Suddenness of Life, won the Silver Plaque at the 39th Chicago International Television Awards.

Part II of On the Beat was launched in October to disseminate the messages of 'The evil will not prevail over the good' and 'Justice has a long arm'.

Both Part I and Part II of the programme enjoyed favourable ratings with as many as 1.5 million viewers aged four and above watching each episode, on average.

Police telephone hotlines and Crime Information Forms provide convenient channels for reporting crime. A total of 22 583 hotline phone calls (not including those made to the emergency hotline 999) as well as 2049 returned Crime Information Forms were registered by year-end, resulting in 2 722 arrests.

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