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Tin Shui Wai changes improve policing
 Keeping posted: These officers patrolling the Tsim Bei Tsui coastal fence are now based at Tin Shui Wai Division |
Tin Shui Wai (TSW) Division is set for operational and management improvements as the second phase of its amalgamation exercise starts this month.
The new initiative has been introduced as a phased pilot project to merge Tsim Bei Tsui (TBT) Police Post and Lau Fau Shan (LFS) Sub-Division into TSW.
The first phase in August, saw TBT operations move to TSW Police Station. The next phase is set to start April 30, and sees LFS Sub-Division staff joining their colleagues at TSW. The project will then be evaluated before final rationalisation in October.
TSW Divisional Commander Alan Liu Ho-yee said: "The exercise will result in enhanced police coverage, more flexible and effective frontline deployment and savings in management costs.
 TSW DVC Alan Liu (right) and officers with Deep Bay in the background |
"Uniform officers of the two outposts would be absorbed into the Patrol Sub-units and these would provide more flexible and prompt deployment for various policing needs," he said.
"Supervision and officers' sense of belonging will also be strengthened as they are brought into a well-tested command structure, and they can enjoy and share all the better logistical facilities and advanced technological equipment in their new station."
The Division, which includes the fishing village of Lau Fau Shan, has varied topography comprising newly-developed housing estates, old villages, farms, fish ponds, and a vast area of mangroves and marshland.
No longer the quiet backwater of the New Territories, its population is expected to reach 220,000 by 2001, with the completion of new estates. Mr Liu said it was necessary to streamline the divisional structure to ensure more resources were released for front-line coverage.
"LFS Sub-Division and the TBT Police Post used to be responsible for policing remote areas in the northwest of Yuen Long which were not easily accessible from Yuen Long Divisional Headquarters.
"With great improvements to the road network and the commissioning of TSW Police Station, an opportunity has emerged for amalgamating these units and simplifying their command structure," Mr Liu said.
The LFS report room would continue service while the TBT Police Post would be released for other formations.
 Far-reaching: The peaceful surrounds of Lau Fau Shan Police Station |
"The level of service to local residents will not be reduced whatsoever," said outgoing LFS Sub-Divisional Commander Simon Pang Chuen-kwong. "Instead, police coverage will be enhanced as more indoor support staff are released for outdoor duties."
The two outposts have decades of history as operational bases for deployment of anti-illegal immigration duties.
"We shall step up our action against illegal immigration," Mr Liu added. "In addition to deploying regular patrols and ambush duties, we are enhancing our capabilities through state-of-the-art surveillance equipment. Some $6 million has been allocated to procure a computerised surveillance and alarm system along the four-kilometre fence facing the Tsim Bei Tsui coast.
Communication equipment will also be enhanced, ensuring quick response. The work is expected to be completed in the next few months."