Commissioner Mr Tsang Yam-pui has recently attended two important overseas conferences, signifying a global recognition of the Force's status and work.

He first attended a three-day "International Comparisons in Policing & Crime Reduction" International Conference in London in late September, and the 72nd Interpol General Assembly Session in Spain from September 29 to October 2.

Meeting with HM Chief Inspector of Constabulary, Sir Keith Povey

"The Force must synchronise with international practices and continue to look for new measures and technology adopted overseas so that Hong Kong can also borrow their experiences. As such, the Force will continue to maintain its international exposure."

Sharing good practices

At the invitation of the UK's Home Office and the Metropolitan Police Service, Mr Tsang attended the "International Comparisons in Policing & Crime Reduction" International Conference, together with some 80 police chiefs and their deputies from the United States, Europe, Canada, Singapore and Tokyo. Hong Kong's beat patrol system was highlighted as a successful example during discussions.

Mr Tsang chaired a workshop to explain the importance of maintaining police visibility without scarifying performance.

"Strong visible uniform police presence is my top priority," he said. "Reassurance doesn't only mean visibility but also accessibility and familiarity. I must stress that the duties of beat officers aren't restricted to fighting or preventing crime. They have other roles to play - giving confidence to the public and offering them help.

"The beat patrol system is an old yet effective policing method. However, this traditional method needs to be modernised, with the back up of an advanced communications system as well as an electronic database that can provide beat officers with sufficient information.

"Participants at the conference were interested to learn that more than 60 per cent of the arrests made in criminal cases in Hong Kong were in fact directly or indirectly attributable to our uniformed patrol officers," added Mr Tsang.

The Force, together with over 30 forces from around the world, also took part in the world's first benchmarking exercise in which the Metropolitan Police Service wanted to find out about as well as transfer good policing practices through an exercise of international comparisons.

Explaining stable crime situation

On September 24, Mr Tsang also addressed 80-odd members of the Hong Kong Association in London, which comprised retired senior Government officials and businessmen engaged in trade between the two places.

In a luncheon speech entitled "Stability Through Times of Change", he outlined the present and future challenges facing the Force. He said the overall crime situation in Hong Kong remained very stable, and that Hong Kong had seen a marked decrease in the overall crime and "key crimes" for the last 10 years.

His speech drew enthusiastic response from the floor as participants learned that the Force handled the July 1 peaceful protest without untoward incidents.

One of the audience, Lord Wilson, was pleased with the low crime rate after the Handover. In a letter to Mr Tsang, he wrote: "I think everybody found what you were saying both interesting and encouraging. Certainly I did. Hong Kong has every reason to feel proud of, and grateful to, the Hong Kong Police Force. You and your officers deserve great credit for what you do."

Meeting important figures

On the sidelines of his visit, Mr Tsang had meetings with the Metropolitan Commissioner, Sir John Stevens, and the HM Chief Inspector of Constabulary, Sir Keith Povey, to exchange views on policing matters.

In another meeting, Mr Tsang discussed anti-terrorism work and the latest trends in world terrorist activities with Assistant Commissioner David Veness, the renowned anti-terrorism expert in the Metropolitan Police Service.

Mr Tsang also paid a visit to the City of London Police to see for himself the various security measures taken to ensure the safety of the financial district. The Commissioner of the City of London Police, Dr James Hart, briefed the Commissioner on their use of closed-circuit televisions to enhance security in the 'city'.

HK to host training symposium

After the UK visit, Mr Tsang and his senior aides left for Benidorm, Spain to attend the 72nd Interpol General Assembly Session as part of the 22-member delegation of the People's Republic of China.

At the meeting, it was announced that Hong Kong would co-host the 15th Symposium for Heads of Police Training with Interpol in early 2005.

Mr Tsang said: "The symposium, previously held at the Interpol Headquarters in Lyon, will move to Hong Kong in 2005. The hosting of the symposium is tantamount to a vote of confidence in Hong Kong by Interpol while at the same time reflecting the city's leading role in police training matters.

"We hope to promote online learning through this symposium. Online learning can save manpower and resources on one hand and can take place anywhere on the other hand."

During the Interpol meetings, Mr Tsang spoke at the Commissioners Panel on People Smuggling and Illegal Immigration while Assistant Commissioner (Training) Mr David Thomas talked about the importance of educating staff to tackle crime in the 21st century.

At the Commissioners Panel, Mr Tsang briefed participants on the Force's experience and strategies in combating crime caused by illegal migration.

Mr Tsang told the delegates that the number of illegal immigrants entering Hong Kong had decreased from 150 per day in the early 80's to less than 15 a day this year as a result of a series of effective measures.

He also attributed the fall in illegal immigration to less economic disparity between the Mainland and Hong Kong as well as better law enforcement on both sides of the boundary.

The Force delegation comprised the Commissioner, Director of Operations Mr Tang King-shing, Assistant Commissioner (Training) Mr David Thomas and Liaison Bureau Senior Superintendent Mr Yu Mun-wah.

CP Tsang Yam-pui's appearance in overseas conferences signifies an international recognition of the Force's work