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Public Order

other government departments and private organisations, including those responsible for critical infrastructure, on security and counter terrorism measures. The police also conducted joint exercises regularly to enhance their response capability for any terrorist attack.

Traffic

This year, there were 15,790 road traffic accidents involving casualties, with 100 deaths and 2,615 persons seriously injured. As compared with 2013, the number of accidents involving casualties and the number of deaths decreased by 1.9 per cent and 23.1 per cent respectively. Traffic fatalities were at the lowest level since 1953.

Public Order Events

Hong Kong residents enjoy freedom of speech and freedom of assembly, procession and demonstration. In 2014, 6,818 public meetings and public processions were held in Hong Kong. The Police are committed to handling all public order events in a fair, just and impartial manner in accordance with the laws of Hong Kong. In handling such events, the police ensure public order and safety is maintained while endeavouring to strike a balance between facilitating all lawful and peaceful public meetings and processions on one hand, and minimising the adverse impact of these events on other members of the public on the other hand.

During the unlawful 'Occupy Movement' which lasted for 79 days from late September 2014, the police took action and appropriate measures against unlawful acts and conduct to maintain. public order and ensure public safety.

Public Relations

The Police Public Relations Branch (PPRB) continued to enlist public support in maintaining law and order by working in partnership with the media and the community. Information about police activities was disseminated to local and overseas media round-the-clock. An interactive electronic platform for disseminating information on unforeseen incidents to the media was launched in March. The PPRB also assisted the Fight Crime Committee in planning and implementing its publicity campaigns.

The PPRB's Police Magazine, Police Report and Police Bulletin provided information on crime trends. and crime prevention measures, while the 'Hong Kong Police Mobile Application' and the 'Hong Kong Police YouTube channel' enhanced public understanding of policing activities, crime prevention and other matters. In addition, the PPRB assisted local and overseas TV broadcasters and film-production companies in producing TV dramas, documentaries and films related to police work, as well as liaising with relevant government agencies on location filming.

The PPRB publishes a fortnightly newspaper, OffBeat; a monthly Junior Police Call Newsletter; and Hong Kong Police Review.

Engaging the Community

Members of the public were informed of police policies and operational priorities by Police Community Relations Officers, while the Junior Police Call scheme and the Police School Liaison Programme served as bridges between the police and young people.

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