As part of an on-going initiative to further engage frontline officers, Commissioner Lo Wai-chung visited Marine North Division (MNDIV) on the evening of September 12 to talk to officers to get to know more about their daily duties.

The visit followed an earlier one to Lok Ma Chau Division. The visits are aimed at engaging in effective two-way communications with officers from across the Force and also allow the Commissioner the opportunity to see and hear about the day-to-day challenges facing frontline officers.

After being greeted by Marine Outer Waters District Commander (DC) Bradley Wright, Chief Inspector (CIP) Wong Yu-hang and Senior Inspector (SIP) Chiu Kwong-fai, who were responsible for co-ordinating the visit, Mr Lo boarded the Divisional Patrol Launch 61 (KEKA) and was taken to the Tolo Monitoring Station (TMS). Whilst on board, Mr Lo had the opportunity to meet crew members and discuss their duties and concerns. He was also introduced to the special navigational and operational instruments, which enhance operational capabilities.

On arrival at TMS, which was Police Barge 4 and connected to a 1.2 kilometre-long floating barrier across the Tolo Channel, Mr Lo was briefed on the functions of the radar system, day night camera and thermal imager, all of which provide Marine Police with effective tools in the fight against smuggling and other criminal activities. At the station, Mr Lo hosted a dinner with a cross-section of officers ranging in rank from Police Constable to SIP.

After the dinner, Mr Lo boarded the Medium Patrol Launch (MPL) 21 for a patrol of the area, during which he was briefed on the design, equipment and the important role of the MPL under the Versatile Maritime Policing Response strategy. During the patrol, he was again able to meet and exchange views with the crew members as well as get an insight in the operation of the launch.

SIP Chiu gave an interview to OffBeat later, and said that the Commissioner's visit enabled the Force Management to better understand the difficulties and challenges of Marine Police in their daily work. As Mr Lo raised concern about the marine officers' work environment and occupational safety and health, the officers were impressed with the Force's caring spirit.

On the other hand, one of the officers who was invited to the dinner with the Commissioner, Sergeant Po Chi-lai from MNDIV, said that the Commissioner's interaction with frontline officers drew the Force Management closer to frontline staff and effectively boosted staff morale.