The situation is similar to a traffic jam. When there are a large number of users travelling on the same road, the speed of movement will slow down. This slowing down is the current Internet access challenge we are facing.

Internet access is playing a significant role in supporting Force core businesses. Information of a wide scope can be obtained through Internet access. Various online services are also being used by government departments, business partners as well as other private or public bodies for more efficient workflow. The most up-to-date news from all over the world is also available on the Internet websites of news agencies and portals. Communications with external parties and overseas agencies have been made extremely handy by way of e-mail through the PEN.

Maintaining a smooth and efficient access to the Internet for officers is, therefore, an important task for the Force Management.

While the Force computer and Internet access from the work place should be technically considered for work-related purposes only, the use of Internet has become such an integral part of life that, similar to a desk telephone, it is somehow impractical not to allow a certain amount of Internet access for non-work related purposes. As such, a Force Internet Usage Policy has been drawn up to clarify the matter and to provide a framework to guarantee the most efficient deployment of system resources, which is at the same time in line with Force values.

Under the new policy, computer users should access the Internet for work-related purposes only, while a reasonable amount of non-work related Internet access is acceptable. "Such non-work related Internet access must be aligned with Force values and be non-abusive," said Assistant Commissioner (Information Systems) Vincent Wong. "Colleagues should be aware that it is like sharing a road. Occupying the road for long hours or for matters not related to your work and not aligned with Force values is just like taking advantage over your peers for its legitimate use."

Starting from August 1, this year, computer users will have to logon in order to access the Internet. The "Username" and "Password" will be the same as the one assigned to each officer for accessing POINT from home. The logon requirement is not applicable to access to information and hyperlinks within POINT.

"With the logon requirement, the use of Internet bandwidth (i.e. the "road") will be under better control. Individual users will have the autonomy and the responsibility to ensure that Internet usage aligns with the new policy.

"Logs of Internet traffic will be analysed so that the management will have a clear picture of the situation and should irregularities occur, action can be taken early so that system resources will continue to be utilised effectively," said Mr Wong.

Apart from the logon requirement, there will be no other change to the way users access Internet resources. "The whole purpose is to provide Force users with timely Internet access in a more secure environment.

"Of course, if there is evidence showing any individual officer using the Force Internet resources in an abusive way or violating Force Values, the management may need to consider more stringent solutions," he said.

It is expected that with implementation of the new Force Internet Usage Policy, officers can enjoy increased Internet connection speed as well as a more secure Internet access environment. Here is another tip: Always remember to close the browser applications (e.g. Internet Explorer) should you have completed the visit to a certain website, as system resources may be continually drawn by a website unless the browser window is closed.

Details of the arrangement and the logon procedure will be promulgated through the Force Noticeboard. For matters relating to the "Username" and "Password", users can contact the ISW Helpdesk on 2860-3444.

Assistant Commissioner (Information Systems) Vincent Wong says officers will be provided with timely Internet access in a more secure environment