On patrol: Officers participating in the Panda trial arrive at a rural location in minutes

Touring car stars: TSW PCs Wan Siu-fai and Leung Kan-ki

A Panda Car pilot scheme in New Territories North is set to expand to other Regions after favourable feedback from participants.

Recently adopted in Tin Shui Wai and Sheung Shui Divisions, the scheme was well received in initial reviews and the project generated enormous interest from other Regions. The project was a major topic discussed during the Director of Operation's recent briefing to formation commanders on enhancing frontline safety and coverage.

Acting Assistant Commissioner (Support) William Lee Wai-lam said: "The Panda Car is a marked police saloon self-driven by two Uniform Branch patrol officers deployed to carry out normal patrol duties, which provides more mobility and better back-up in carrying out day-to-day patrols.

"Under the six-month pilot scheme, a Panda Car was assigned to the two Divisions to patrol and respond to non-emergency incidents within a designated area, usually a large rural or suburban locality with a low population density or where the workload is relatively light."

It was hoped this mode of deployment would enhance police coverage, visibility and response in different Regions.

The move was also expected to free up resources to cope with other operational needs.

"However, I must stress that we should not confuse the Panda Cars with Emergency Unit vehicles - the latter will remain responsible for handling emergency calls," Mr Lee said.

He added that officers with GF8 qualifications could drive the cars after they were given special operational driving training.

"Officers will be briefed on Force orders or procedures on the use of lights and sirens for operational and safety reasons," he said.

The same Panda crews would be kept throughout the trial to ensure a thorough assessment.

"We fully support Regions adopting this pilot scheme and trust they can do it through deployment of required vehicles and manpower within their Regions.

"Regional Commanders are encouraged to consider their unique policing needs and local circumstances to make decisions on whether it is suitable to run the Panda Car trial scheme within their respective Regions.

"If so, they may wish to consider whether the Panda Car will operate around the clock or on specified shifts. The area selected may consist of and replace two or more beats of any type including foot and motorcycle beats or rural patrols. The physical environment and accessibility of the area should also be considered."

Mr Lee said a full review of the trial would be conducted in six months to evaluate the effectiveness of the pilot scheme and consider a full-scale rollout in future.