ENG-2019 — Page 308

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Public Order

Counter-terrorism

Hong Kong has a sound legal framework and sufficient enforcement capability to guard against and deal with terrorist activities. As part of counter-terrorism efforts in response to an increasingly complicated international landscape, the police work with other law enforcement agencies through the Inter-departmental Counter Terrorism Unit to enhance counter-terrorism strategies, action plans, cross-departmental coordination, intelligence gathering, training and public education.

Traffic

During the year, 16,102 traffic accidents involved casualties, with 1,831 and 107 cases recording serious injuries and fatalities respectively. The data represented 1 per cent more accidents involving casualties and 8.3 per cent more accidents involving serious injuries or fatalities than in 2018.

Public Events

Hong Kong residents enjoy freedom of speech and the right to peaceful assembly, procession and demonstration. The police facilitate all lawful and peaceful public events fairly and impartially and strive to uphold public order and safety, seeking to strike a balance between facilitating public events and minimising the impact of these events on other members of the public. During the year, 11,436 public meetings and processions were held.

In June, in response to the series of large demonstrations relating to proposed amendments to the Fugitive Offenders Ordinance, the police launched Operation 'Tiderider' to deal with the destructive and unlawful acts, such as large-scale road blockages, vandalism of shops, arson and violent assault. Between June and December, the police conducted resolute operations, took appropriate measures and adjusted the enforcement strategy to maintain law and order and safeguard public safety.

Public Relations

The Police Public Relations Branch (PPRB) disseminates information about police activities to local and overseas media round the clock and releases information on unforeseen incidents through an interactive electronic platform. The branch also helps the FCC plan and implement publicity campaigns.

The PPRB makes good use of online platforms, including the police website, mobile application, YouTube channel, Facebook page, Instagram, Weibo and Twitter, to strengthen the police force's capacity to connect with the community. Live reports are conducted to increase public understanding of police work and gain public support and trust. During 2019, the PPRB held press conferences and produced videos to disseminate timely information to the public, rebut biased and unfounded allegations, explain police work, increase the transparency of the force and safeguard the public's right to information.

The PPRB's Police Magazine, Police Report and Police Bulletin provide information on crime prevention measures and the work of individual police units. The branch also helps television broadcasters and film production companies produce dramas, documentaries and films related

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