As part of a new initiative to further engage frontline officers, Commissioner Lo Wai-chung visited Lok Ma Chau Division (LMCDIV) on June 21 to meet and talk to officers about their daily duties.

Explaining the aim of the CP's unit visits, the Staff Officer to the Commissioner David Fremaux told OffBeat, "Engaging in an effective two-way communication with officers across the Force is a key priority for the Commissioner, this new initiative will partner the breakfast sessions that he has been hosting in his office and the revamped formation visits that he has been carrying out since his assumption of the Commissioner's role last year.

"The Commissioner hopes to both show his care and express personal thanks to frontline officers in these visits. In so doing, he will also get an opportunity to see and hear about the day-to-day challenges facing these officers, whilst being able to respond to any concerns that they wish to bring up with him."

The visit to LMCDIV, which lasted about four hours, was co-ordinated by the Inspector (IP) of LMCDIV Chan Kit-wa. After being greeted by the Divisional Commander of LMCDIV Tsang Shuk-yin, Mr Lo attended a briefing for Operation Goldera, a blitz against general merchandise operators (GMOs), given by IP Chan. The Inspector of Spur Line Control Point Wan Man-kit then showed Mr Lo around the Spur Line Control Point where, in addition to meeting a cross section of officers stationed at this facility, he had the opportunity to see how the division polices GMOs and cross-boundary students.

Mr Lo then visited the Lok Ma Chau Operational Base where, after a visit to the Operations Room, Mr Lo hosted a cross section of officers from Border District to a dinner. Accompanied by IP Chan, he visited the Lok Ma Chau Boundary Control Point where he attended a briefing for Operation Flashray, which targets illegal immigrants trying to sneak into Hong Kong hidden under lorries. Mr Lo also observed officers taking part in the operation at the Under Vehicle Surveillance System Site.

IP Chan told OffBeat that the visit had enhanced the understanding of the management of the Force on the difficulties and challenges faced by boundary officers in the daily work, and would facilitate the formulation of strategies with the Customs and Excise Department and the Immigration Department respectively in curbing GMOs and illegal immigrants.

Police Constable Wong Yet-man said after attending the dinner with Mr Lo that the visit had encouraged divisional personnel and boosted staff morale. CP's in-depth exchange with frontline officers enabled them to learn more about the future development of the Force, he added.