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Vehicle video experts graduate
Penalty ProVida: The system's camera (top), LCD monitor (bottom) and remote control |
Six instructors have been trained to drill officers in using cutting-edge video technology being employed to present hard evidence on driving offences.
Four Supervisory Officers from Regional Traffic formations and one from the Police Driving School received graduation certificates from Chief Superintendent (Traffic) Tang How-kong on September 6, for completing a four-day course on using the ProVida 2000 in-car video system. A fifth Supervisory officer unable to make the ceremony, also received the certificate. They will train officers to operate the equipment for traffic enforcement.
A retired British officer with 30 years traffic experience who now works for the system's manufacturers, conducted the training.
The Force has purchased 16 ProVida systems which offer clear, vibration-free pictures even at high speeds, with up to eight-times zoom and infrared facilities, along with an in-built speed-detection device and a 5.6-inch LCD monitor.
Course director, Traffic Branch Headquarters Senior Inspector (Administration and Support) Mike Regan said the video system had proven effective overseas in detecting and prosecuting driving offences and in educating motorists on their bad habits.
CSP T Tang How-kong congratulates the graduates |
"Video evidence of the offenders and their actions can not only offset conflicting accounts from officers and defendants in court, but also be used to educate the motorist with an officer pointing out the transgressions on the screen inside the police vehicle and offering warnings or advice," SIP Regan said.
"The viewing by drivers of their own abilities has a very pronounced and long-lasting effect. Video evidence also reduces argument, minimising confrontation and ultimately seeing fewer contested cases in court."
Graduate, New Territories North Traffic Senior Inspector Edwin Lui said: "The system is very user-friendly and I'm sure our colleagues will get familiar quickly with its operation. The system will definitely facilitate our prosecutions as we can get material evidence."
PDS Sergeant Mok King-yin said he hoped the system would help minimise confrontation between officers and drivers.