ENG-2007 — Page 361

Public Order | 305

Marine Region

The Versatile Maritime Policing Response strategy was implemented in 2007. Two barge platforms, six medium patrol launches and six divisional fast patrol crafts were delivered in late 2007 and will be fully operational in early 2008. The new fleet is a welcome addition to enhance the Marine Police's capability in combating illegal activities in Hong Kong waters. It will be complemented by a new Central Command System which consists of day-and-night cameras integrated into the existing radar system. The new system is expected to be operational in 2009.

In 2007, Marine Region played a very active part in contributing to sea safety in Hong Kong. A multi-agency approach was adopted in organising a 'Safety Afloat' campaign to promote safety at sea and safety during recreation activities at sea. The number of deaths occurring during recreation at sea fell to six in 2007 compared with 12 in 2006.

Marine Region also continued interdicting smuggling activities with the full cooperation of the local and the Mainland law enforcement agencies. During the year, the Marine Region seized $209 million worth of contraband.

Traffic

In 2007, there were 15 315 traffic accidents involving casualties, representing an increase of 3.1 per cent compared with 2006 and 153 fatal traffic accidents, representing an increase of 13.3 per cent compared with the previous year's figure. During the year, 483 912 fixed-penalty tickets for driving offences were issued, an increase of 7.5 per cent compared with 2006 figures. Police officers and traffic wardens issued a total of 704 860 tickets for parking offences, 11.6 per cent up on 2006. A total of 65 363 summonses were served on traffic offenders, 18.2 per cent more than in 2006.

Public Relations

The Police Public Relations Branch (PPRB) plays an important role in keeping the public informed of the work of the Police Force and maintaining good relations with all sectors of the community to enlist public support for maintaining law and order.

Details of police policies and operational priorities were disseminated to the public by Police Community Relations Officers, while the Junior Police Call (JPC) Scheme and the Police School Liaison Programme (PSLP) serve as bridges between the Police and young people.

The PPRB worked with Radio Television Hong Kong (RTHK) and Cable TV during the year to produce a number of television programmes which included the Police Magazine, Police Report and Police Bulletin to keep the public abreast of crime trends and crime prevention measures.

Assistance was also given to film companies and television stations producing dramas and documentaries related to police work, and to the Films Services Office of Television and Entertainment Licensing Authority in processing applications for filming licences.