Police professionalism and dedication proved imperative to the smooth running of the Fortune Global Forum at the Convention and Exhibition Centre (CEC), May 8 to 10.

The world-class event saw dignitaries such as President Jiang Zemin and Thai Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra in attendance, along with some 500 corporate executives from around the world.

Police formulated and implemented appropriate security and traffic arrangements, and mobilised officers from a cross-section of formations including the VIP Protection Unit, Key Points and Search Division, and Police Dog and Tactical Units to ensure the forum's smooth operation and participants' personal safety.

Commissioner Tsang Yam-pui, Deputy Commissioner (Operations) Douglas Lau Yuk-kuen, Director of Operations Ng Wai-kit and Assistant Commissioner (Operations) Cheung Chi-shum visited the CEC on May 5, seeing for themselves the meticulous security work in progress.

Mr Ng returned on May 9, to visit officers on duty. Mr Cheung held two press conferences during and after the Forum, on security and traffic measures.

"The arrangements were tight for the Forum. However, after considering the numerous untoward incidents in similar forums held in other places, it was necessary for Police to have tight arrangements to ensure the event proceeded smoothly, to protect the personal safety of the participants, and to facilitate protesters to conduct demonstrations lawfully and peacefully," he said.

"The number of officers deployed for the forum was comparable to other major events held here. We have tried our best to keep the inconvenience to a minimum and hope for public understanding and appreciation of the necessity of tight security measures."

Mr Cheung added that through consultation and discussion Police facilitated groups, comprised of some 4,400 people in total, in staging public meetings and processions to voice their opinions during the three-day event.

Chief Executive Tung Chee Hwa and CEC Managing Director Cliff Wallace sent letters to Commissioner Tsang commending the top job done by officers (see p2).

The Force noted that individual media organisations had their views on the Police operations, including numerous local and foreign press who published positive reports.

John Needham, President of forum organisers Fortune Multimedia, also issued a statement saying that organisers had utmost respect for Police.