Legislative Council members, Mr Tam Yiu-chung and Mr Chan Kam-lam; KT District Council Chairman, Mr Hau Sui-pui, and KT District Council members, Mr Or Chong-shing and Chan Tak-ming, were co-signatories to a letter sent recently to Kowloon East Regional Commander, Mr Mak Man-poon. The letter expressed appreciation for the way in which Station Sergeant Yeung Yuk-fai and Sergeant Ng Ping-fu had maintained a close, co-operative and successful relationship between the Force and the community.

In the letter, they said that, through effective communication with local groups, Mr Yeung had done an exemplary job in collecting information regarding the district's law and order problems.

"We also appreciate Mr Ng's great efforts, particularly his outstanding performance during the redevelopment of Block 5 and 6 of Lam Tin Estate. He not only assisted in solving social problems in the community, but also maintained a close partnership with other departments, including Housing and Home Affairs, to facilitate the completion of the redevelopment project."

The officers commended said that the unexpected accolade was a great encouragement to them.

Recalling his experience in handling the problems arising from the Lam Tin Estate redevelopment project, Mr Ng said: "There was a rise in street-gambling and drug-related crime at that time because the vacant units in the estate had become a shelter and rendezvous for gamblers, drug addicts and traffickers.

"A number of local and political groups expressed their concerns about the problems and I reflected their views to the management. Following careful consideration, Police patrolling was enhanced by the deployment of a mofix outside the half-vacant blocks and that resulted in a significant drop in the crime figures," Mr Ng continued.

Mr Yeung told OffBeat that listening patiently to residents and keeping them well informed were essential elements in successful community liaison. "We have a lot of opportunities to attend various meetings and discussion sessions at which some residents may make critical remarks about the Force.

"In these situations, we should listen to their concerns patiently and then try to explain the situation to them in a calm and polite manner. We must let them know what we have done and what follow-up action we will take. Mutual trust and understanding can only be built through effective communication," Mr Yeung added.

SSGT Yeung (right) and SGT Ng: 'Maintaining a close relationship between the Force and the community'