The Force was awarded the "Exemplary Business Support Gold Award" by the Social Welfare Department last month for employing people with disabilities (PWDs).

The department's Marketing Consultancy Office (Rehabilitation) (MCO) held the Support the Employment of People with Disabilities Award Presentation Ceremony 2006 cum Parade of Quality Services & Products at the Hong Kong Exhibition and Convention Centre to recognise the tremendous support of government departments as well as public and private organisations in enhancing the employment of PWDs. Honoured along with the Force at the ceremony were 56 private and public organisations.

Outsourcing of car cleaning is part of the Force "Job Creation Scheme" to provide job opportunities for PWDs and relieve officers of non-constabulary duties.

Transport Division Senior Inspector Andrew Livesey pointed out that the scheme was first tried out in 2001 as a pilot project, which later proved successful and became permanent last year.

Noting that the Force always supports employment of PWDs, Mr Livesey said: "We are pleased that we are able to give people with disabilities employment opportunities. At the same time, we have our vehicles cleaned and this is a good chance to let them help us."

Tseung Kwan O Division (TKO DIV) was among the very first users of the vehicle cleaning service since the scheme's inception in 2005, and their feedback has been very positive. TKO Assistant Divisional Commander Jessica Young Ming-sze said she would suggest extending the service to other stations.

So far, a total of 117 police vehicles are being cleaned by PWDs at Kowloon East Regional Headquarters (RHQ) and TKO DIV; Kowloon West RHQ; New Territories North RHQ and Taipo DIV; as well as NT South RHQ.

During the prize presentation ceremony, Force Motor Transport Officer Robin Jolly received the Award on behalf of the Force. Six categories of awards were presented to 57 organisations of different sizes and business natures in recognition of their contributions in various aspects, including awarding job orders and service contracts to rehabilitation organisations; creating training and employment opportunities for PWDs; facilitating the establishment of social enterprises; offering promotional support, sponsorship, professional advice as well as teaming up with non-governmental organisations and the MCO to roll out new initiatives.

The six awards were Outstanding Partnership Award, Exemplary Business Support Award, Distinguished Employer Award, Valued Support of Social Enterprises Award, Devoted Sponsorship and Promotion Award and Professional Advice and Consultation Award.