This was a major investigation (involving not only Yip's arrest, but also the Police Open Fire Report and Yip's escape from CSD custody in August 1989), which culminated in a series of territory-wide raids in June and July of 1996.

This was an extremely unusual case in that the notoriety of Yip resulted in the execution of unprecedented security measures surrounding his court appearances - which in the initial stages were exclusively planned by officers of RCU II HKI.

In addition to the preparation of the committal papers, a considerable amount of work was required in preparation for the application by Yip for a Permanent Stay of Proceedings which was heard before Mr Justice Stuart-Moore just prior to the commencement of the criminal trials.

Said SP Crime HKI Lam Kwai-bun (now SP CR PPRB): "It is a credit to Crime Hong Kong Island that our professionalism was recognised and commended by the trial judge. I am wholly satisfied that each of the officers involved acquitted themselves very professionally and as a team directly influenced the outcome of the proceedings. Their professionalism, devotion to duty of a very high order brought great credit not only to the Regional Crime Unit, HKI, but also to the Force.

COMMANDING Officer's Commendations also went to a team of officers in WDIST HQ for their outstanding performance in the neutralisation of an armed criminal gang (of whom three were IIs) and seizure of a firearm in January 1997. The gang was later identified as responsible for a number of serious crimes on the south side of HKI.

The officers are: DCIP K Spencer, DSIP Wong Yiu-chuen, DSGT To Kwong, DPC Kwong Tim-wah, DPC Ting Li-wah, DPC Cheung Wai-man, and DPC Yuen Chik-shing.

The way in which the officers went about the investigation leading to the quick identification and apprehension of all members of the gang reflected the highest degree of professionalism and dedication to duty. They worked tirelessly throughout the 10-day investigation and showed extreme courage particularly during the arrest operations when they were fully aware that members of the gang were in possession of firearms.

And . . . at long last, Inspector CRIME KE Chan Sze-ki received His Excellency The Governor's Commendation for leadership, courage, professional ability and devotion to duty of the highest order for attempting to arrest a gang of five ruthless criminals who were armed with firearms and hand-grenades in Kowloon on 24 April 1992.