CP attends conference in Australia
Gaining a regional perspective of the threat of international terrorism and understanding the measures being taken by Hong Kong's neighbours to deal with the problem, is of great importance to the Force.
The Commissioner, Mr Lee Ming-kwai, said this after attending the five-day "33rd Conference of Commissioners of Police of Australia and the South West Pacific Region" held in Sydney, New South Wales in March.
The theme of this year's Conference was "Terrorism and National Security" and was also attended by the police chiefs of Singapore, Fiji, Thailand, Papua New Guinea, Solomon Islands and New Zealand, in addition to the heads of the Australian police forces. A number of international experts in the field of counter-terrorism were in attendance to update the delegates on the latest developments in international terrorism and to take part in discussions and deliberations.
In addition to presentations by the experts, the delegates benefited from addresses by speakers from regional and international security agencies.
The Conference commenced by considering and discussing the legislative and operational achievements already made by member states and territories in respect of counter-terrorism measures, investigation, intelligence gathering and law enforcement co-operation.
Further discussions addressed the issues of exchanging information, intelligence and investigative methodologies by law enforcement agencies so as to enhance the general security of the Region. Delegates recognised the need for police agencies to adopt a proactive approach to prevent terrorist activities, as well as the need to strengthen community partnership.
"In a densely populated international city such as Hong Kong, the community can assist the Police in keeping the city secure by remaining vigilant. Hence we encourage our community to be alert, not alarmed," Mr Lee said.
Taking time out from the busy conference schedule, Mr Lee attended a lunch hosted by the Hong Kong-Australia Business Association, and spoke on "Law and Order in Hong Kong and Cross Border Cooperation", briefing members of the association on the general law and order situation in Hong Kong, and on how Hong Kong's closer integration with the Pearl River Delta is influencing crime trends.
Mr Lee also renewed acquaintances when he, in the final evening of his visit, dined with a number of retired Hong Kong Police officers living in Sydney.
CP meets retired officers Chris Glover (1st from left), Dennis Shackleton (2nd from left), Duncan McNeill (5th from left) and Ken Wallis (far right)