New-look stations get the thumbs-up from the Chief Secretary The three pilot police stations, revamped under the Force Customer Service Improvement Project, were opened in style on June 3 to the applause of Chief Secretary for Administration Anson Chan. The ribbons on the new-look North Point, Sha Tin and Sau Mau Ping stations were snipped simultaneously after nearly two years work on the project which began in October 1997. The simultaneous opening was made via a relay of the inauguration ceremony at North Point station by TVB to the other two stations. Model station: CP Eddie Hui and Divisonal Commander of North Point Carmen Lo compare the old and new stations with CS Anson Chan at North Point The revamp included the streamlining of report procedures, such as by fax, and the wearing of name tags by report room staff. They were part of 17 new initiatives which were tested in the run-up to the opening and have been well-received by the public and become standard practice. The improvements aim to make Police services more effective, efficient, economical and user-friendly, using the pilot stations as a benchmark. They include computer systems and changing rooms for staff and touch-screen multi-media information kiosks. Mrs Chan said the three revamped stations represented only the beginning, and she looked forward to seeing the project transform the environment, working conditions and services at 59 other police premises. "The new report rooms offer much better facilities for both customers and police officers and represents the Force's commitment to continuous improvement in services to the community. "I believe the Force can strive for the best by fulfilling the commitment to improve customer services" "I believe the Force can strive for the best by fulfilling the commitment to improve customer service in a few years' time," Mrs Chan said. She recognised the efforts made by the Force to create a successful partnership with the community, such as getting public feedback on Police services through opinion and customer satisfaction surveys, and the "Observer Scheme" which involves District Board and Fight Crime Committee members. "Collecting views on Police services enables the provision of quality service in this changing community. The Force's initiatives to enhance openness and accountability to the community are the major criterion to win praise from the public," Mrs Chan said. The scheme has allowed for the designing of a more user-friendly environment for report rooms, the streamlining of reporting procedures by the introduction of a reception desk manned by a police officer to handle enquiries and prioritise cases, along with the promotion of a service-orientated culture among officers. Mrs Chan was speaking during the inauguration ceremony at North Point Police Station before a tour escorted by Commissioner of Police Eddie Hui. TVB sent entertainers to each station to join officers to host the ceremonies. It also broadcast a half-hour programme during prime time on June 5 showcasing the improvement project. << Back to Index >>