The three-month pilot scheme equipping frontline officers with mobile phones started July 3.

The pilot was launched in Tsuen Wan, Mong Kok and Wan Chai Districts to provide beat officers with a second method of communication to enhance flexibility and service to the public. Operational experience gained from the scheme would be used to refine guidelines on the phones' use.

Support Wing Superintendent Field Alice Yeung Chui-mei said the beat radio system would remain the primary means of communication for frontline officers as it had built-in safety features to deal with emergency situations, which mobile phones did not have.

"Mobile phones will only be used as a supportive means of communication when operationally justified, radio reception is poor, a lengthy report to the console is required or transmission of sensitive information over the radio is not appropriate," Ms Yeung said, adding the phones would be switched to silent vibration mode when not in use.



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