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Officers' new set of 'legs'
'Round, round, get around, I get around . . . ' Outer-island officers certainly are now they'e stepped up their leg work to pedal power.
Islands officers have replaced much of their foot patrolling with cycling, thanks to a new batch of bicycles, 12 of which were allocated to Cheung Chau, eight to Lamma and six to Peng Chau last month after the completion of a successful trial scheme.
"The three islands house more than 30,000 residents plus numerous holiday makers and a lot of business activities which make policing a far cry from the common belief it's an easy job on an outlying island," said Cheung Chau Assistant Divisional Commander (Operations & Crime) Andy Man Kin-yuen.
 Island cycling: SPC Chung Kin-wah and PC Man Sai-hung on another patrol of Cheung Chau |
"As no vehicles are allowed on the island except village vehicles, and we're still in the process of procuring our own village vehicles, officers have to walk patrols and it takes quite a long time to attend to members of the public seeking help.
"That's why we started the trial scheme in 1995 using bikes. Both officers and residents responded positively and it was formally adopted in early September this year."
The Taiwanese-made bikes feature shock absorbers, headlights and 18 gears for easier riding on all path types.
Their vibrant colours also help make officers more visible.
Division Station Sergeant Edmond Tsui Chi-hung quipped the bikes had virtually become their new "legs", helping them meet top Force policies on professionalism and health simultaneously.
"Cycling is good for our day-to-day work and it makes us fitter and healthier, so we end up living a healthy lifestyle!".