The Service Quality Wing (SQW) released on February 1 the Environmental Scan Report 2018 (ESR 2018), which is available on POINT for officers' reference.

The publication of the ESR 2018 marked the beginning of the next strategic planning process as the Force would start to work on its future directions and action plans and would deliver by early next year the Strategic Directions and Strategic Action Plan for the period from 2019 to 2021.

The ESR 2018 adopted a fresh presentation format, covering local and global emerging trends, issues across the Force, and the latest advancements in international policing. With compelling snapshots, infographics and thought-provoking questions, it provides a reference for officers to learn about the policing developments in a volatile environment and would enable them to better understand the challenges and opportunities that the Force must face up to today and in the future.

Over the years, the ESR has helped in the identification of numerous strategic issues, which is an important step for the formulation of the Force's Strategic Directions and key projects of the Strategic Action Plan. The current Strategic Directions have set the Force on a path that has seen consistent improvement in the crime situation and community support for the Force.