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 On bicycle patrol in Victoria Park |
A GREEN and scenic oasis in the heart of
Causeway Bay, Victoria Park is every day frequented by a large cross-section of Hong
Kong people, young and old, who go there to sit and relax, run, stroll, or make use of its
recreational facilities. The largest park in Eastern District is also a popular place for
organising large-scale outdoor activities.
Officers of North Point Division are responsible for ensuring the safety of the people enjoying the park, for preventing crime, handling lost children and found property as well as a variety of other police duties and do so through frequent foot patrols. To enhance the efficiency and effectiveness of policing in the park, North Point Division has increased the number of patrol officers, extended patrol hours and widened the coverage of patrol. Police also continue to mount specific anti-crime operations in the park on a regular basis. |
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Two new sights in the park of late have been police dogs (much to the delight of dog-lovers and children), and police officers patrolling on bicycles ¡Ð which are ideal for covering Victoria Park's vast systems of flat paths, and are, of course, environmentally friendly. | |
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"Our 'mounted police' are different from our counterparts in Canada and Britain who ride horses," said Eastern District Chief Inspector Ho Ka-fei. "In view of the size of Victoria Park, the coverage of foot patrol is limited, so bicycles are perfect. With the employment of bicycles, the coverage of patrol has now widened considerably which is a view shared by all officers taking part in this trial scheme. If the results continue to be satisfactory, North Point Division may extend the hours of cycling patrol." Concerning the deployment of police dogs, CIP Ho said two K-9s have been assigned to join North Point Division officers in each anti-crime operation: "With the aid of police dogs, patrol officers take on a higher profile which tends to have a greater deterrent effect on would-be offenders. At they same time they are natural bridges between police and members of the public, both adults and children, who love to see the dogs." |
 With the aid of police dogs, patrol officers taken on a higher profile |
The festive season may be upon us, but for those foolish enough to drink and drive the season will be anything but jolly . . . | |
 Superintendent Henry Ho Ming-sun conferring with his officers
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Comprised of a senior inspector, sergeant and three constables, the team is responsible for the thorough investigation of traffic accidents involving drink driving on HKI, the prosecution of those involved and provision of follow-up services when needed ¡Ð which includes referring some offenders to social or clinical agencies best equipped to counsel against difficulties related to alcohol abuse. Said Superintendent Henry Ho Ming-sun, DIV T HKI: "All members of the team (on 24-hour call) are experienced in handling traffic accidents involving alcohol consumption, have an excellent understanding of the Hong Kong laws governing offences of drink driving and are well-trained in the use of breathalysers." |
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In addition, all were briefed on the effects of alcohol on the human body by Dr Jurgen Sohege, a German professor and expert in this area, who was invited to Hong Kong last September to talk on the subject. And since then, team members have continued to carry out extensive research and study into all aspects of the issue. "A popular misconception is that it's okay to drink a beer or two as long as the legal limit is not exceeded. But different people react differently to alcohol and personal judgement can be impaired by even the smallest quantity of alcohol," said team leader SIP Tan Wing-yuen. "In fact, a number of fatal drink driving cases we've investigated revealed that the blood/alcohol content of the drivers who were killed did not exceed the legal limit." Because of this, it is not uncommon for people who drink and drive and get caught to be prosecuted by legislation against driving under the influence of alcohol as opposed to being prosecuted for exceeding blood/alcohol content. The message is clear: If you drink any quantity of alcohol whatsoever ¡Ð you can't drive. The team's expertise in drink driving cases and collection and presentation of evidence in court has led to an almost 100 per cent conviction rate against offenders, some of whom were members of the disciplinary forces. For the benefit and reference of frontline officers, the team now shares their training, expertise and experience regarding drink driving through a new monthly bulletin which details the cases they have handled with emphasis on learning points and important tips to heed. The special team has also taken its anti-drink driving message to Hong Kong drivers through a series of educational and publicity activities, and has made the campaign against drink drivers an essential element of all police station open days and HKI road safety shows. Earlier this month a booth was set up by the team in Victoria Park during a Road Safety Fun Day organised by the Transport Department to explain the hazards of drink driving. Said Superintendent Ho: "Where professional drivers are concerned, we've made it clear to the management of bus companies, as well as to taxi operators, minibus drivers and truckers that we will not tolerate drinking and driving. Drivers for all government departments are also being targeted ¡Ð this includes the police. As a law enforcement department, the Hong Kong Police must set a good example. Even a single incident of drink driving cannot be tolerated. Offenders will be prosecuted and will face harsh internal disciplinary action. "Drink driving is totally unacceptable with far-reaching consequences that ruin the lives of not just those immediately concerned - but also their families," continued SP Ho. "But the problem cannot be solved by law enforcement alone. The mentality of drivers must be changed to the point where they enforce themselves, where they would never even consider getting into the driver's seat of a vehicle if they've had a drink. Our long term approach is two-pronged: prosecution and education that will rid all drivers of the notion to drive if they've consumed an alcoholic beverage ¡Ð whatever the quantity." | |
