NTN gears up for protecting country park users
In fact long before the season, NTN Region started taking the initiative to ensure that outings will be safe and enjoyable for all country park users. Acting NTN Deputy Regional Commander Leung King-hang said: "We are aware of the public's concern over safety and security in country parks as a result of some recent incidents. NTN, therefore, has taken a number of initiatives in partnership with other government departments to assure the public that our country parks are a safe place to enjoy nature."
"Since the beginning of the summer, the Region has been busy in the country parks," Mr Leung continued. "We are stepping up liaison with Country Park Rangers in patrolling country parks and have put in place a regular programme of checks to ensure that the Emergency Helplines installed throughout the parks are always in working order, so that the public can locate their position in the event of an emergency, and contact the police.
"We have also stepped up patrols by uniformed officers, especially at weekends and public holidays when there are more hikers and walkers around. At the same time, we are getting across safety messages through leaflets and direct contact between our officers and the public."
NTN has also strengthened patrols, using its Rural Operations Unit, the Quick Reaction Force (QRF), which is assisted by Police Tactical Unit and Emergency Unit officers.
"We are making full use of the special skills and training of our QRF officers, whose knowledge of the vast local areas is particularly valuable," Mr Leung noted.
Mr Leung disclosed: "Feedback shows that country park users very much appreciate our efforts and have told officers how reassuring it is to see them patrolling in remote areas. This has made them feel so secure while in the wild!"
Another initiative taken by NTN is, for its own needs, working closely with Operations Wing and HKI Region in modifying a computerised indexing system developed by HKI. The system enables officers to quickly find out the location of a hiker in need of emergency help from the Police or other emergency services.
"We are also looking at how to speed up response to an incident. Clearly getting to remote and rugged areas as quickly as possible presents a lot of difficulties which we are working hard to overcome," he noted.
But, as always, prevention is better than cure, so Mr Leung advised hikers and country park users to take a few simple precautions, such as avoid being alone, carrying a fully charged mobile phone and a spare battery, avoid carrying too much money or valuables, and bringing along water, food and a map.
"If every party could pitch in, hiking in NTN country parks will be very enjoyable and safe excursions!" Mr Leung stressed.
NTN officers are taking initiatives to protect country park users