HONG KONG'S law and order situation remains stable, partly due to the continuous improvements in the Hong Kong Police Force, said Deputy Commissioner of Police (Management),Tsang Yam-pui.

He was speaking to thousands of visitors who came to see the exhibitions mounted by a cross-section of Force formations at a recent Police recruitment day, held on the grounds of the Police Training School. The event was organised to introduce different aspects of police work to visitors, especially to students considering a career with the force after they graduated.

Mr Tsang said in order to live up to its reputations as "Asia's Finest", the police are upgrading equipment and keeping pace with modern technological advances , pointing out that after last year's implementation of a large-scale information network system Force formation ranging from administration to crime detection had become fully computerised.

To continue development into the next century, the Force is working with professional consultants and three local universities to study future computer strategies and computerised communication systems. One of the plans is to equip frontline partrolling officers with palm-top computers so they can handle reports and process and check relevant data at the scene resulting in better service to the public and more efficiency.

"We have been cultivation a 'service-oriented,' culture within the Force with an aim to further upgrading the quality of service," said Mr. Tsang, referring to the service quality improvement trial scheme implemented in North Point Police Station in 1998.

Under the pilot project, station equipment has been upgraded, reporting procedures simplified and the professional standard of police officers lifted. A total of $800 milion will be spent in the next three years to extend the scheme to other police stations.

"To attain the highest standards, the Force invests heavily on personnel training with a view to equipping senior officers with professional management knowledge and widening their horizons so that they can lead the Force into the new era," said Mr Tsang directing his comments to school graduates in the crowd. "Applicants to the Force must not only fulfil physical and academic requirements, they should also aspire towards serving the community. They should be intelligent and courageous enough to take on the challenge of being a police officer."

Photography: Yiu Chi-fai and Benny Ho