CP Tsang Yam-pui: "I want to reassure officers that I am the man they can talk to."

Speaking to OffBeat soon after his appointment, Mr Tsang emphasised consultation, communication, consensus and openness within the Force. He also reassured that present Force policy was effective and would continue, adding there were no major changes ahead.

"As the new CP I will see all the people in the Force, both disciplined and civilian, as they are our greatest asset. And I intend to ensure we recruit the best people, provide the best training, equipment and working environment so that we can offer the best services to the community," Mr Tsang said.

"In the last few years we have done quite a lot in information technology, service culture and human resources management, so I do not contemplate making any major changes to the present policies which are current, good and effective. I feel the Force is moving in the right direction. In future we need to develop from the present framework and consolidate what we have been doing."

Immediately after taking office, Mr Tsang spoke with officers of Assistant Commissioner rank and above before meeting the four staff associations the following day.

"I will pay a lot of attention to the frontline staff who are the key to the successful maintenance of law and order - the Constable on the beat is one of the most important people in the Force," he said. "We will provide them with the best training and user-friendly equipment, and offer all of our support and encouragement, awarding them not only for enforcement success, but also for their care and compassion in dealing with the public and their colleagues."

Openness and consensus

And Mr Tsang's consultation is set to continue with talks scheduled with civilian staff associations and representatives from the Auxiliaries, to note their concerns, wishes and needs.

"I want to stress openness as my style of leadership and I will act as far as possible with consensus. I will speak to officers and ask them, very plainly, what they want from me as the CP."

Mr Tsang said he would stress professionalism in officers' dress, public behaviour, and dealings with crime victims, informants, people requesting assistance, suspects, offenders, the media and incident on-lookers. "These things are always under public scrutiny, and although we are already doing very well in all of these areas, there is always room for improvement."

Mr Tsang hailed the Force's tremendous progress in IT development and in the Station Improvement Project and pledged to continue them to further enhance efficiency.

"And then there is the strengthening of internal management and human resources. The Enhanced Productivity Programme has been well managed by the Force and will be behind us very soon. Promotion vacancies are now back to normal," he said.

"Overall, the Force is in very good shape both in the way it is managed and in the way we perform our duties as a law-enforcement agency, with excellent results in crime detection and control. I am very proud and sure that this will continue in the same vein."

Mr Tsang not only pledged to further boost internal communication, but also ties with overseas law enforcement bodies, particularly the Mainland. "However, what I wish to do most is to be with my officers on the frontlines and in every other area, when I have the time to do so," he said. "I want to reassure that I am the man they can talk to."