"The support and dedication displayed has been commendable on the part of all officers and I am sure that the Force will play its pivotal part in ensuring that the Events are a resounding success and something that each and every member of the Force can be proud of," he noted.

Shortly before the start of the policing operation proper for the Events, Mr Tsang cautioned against being lulled into a false sense of security.

"Although the planning and preparation phase of the operation has brought unprecedented challenges to all of us, of which I am glad to say we have met head on, the execution phase will be equally challenging and we must focus all our efforts on whatever that may arise.

"Policing of the Equestrian Events is quite unlike any other operations we have policed before. In planning for it we have had to think outside the box, work closely together both within the Force and with our external partners and rely on the commitment and dedication of all officers involved. All of this will also be required during the execution phase," he noted.

Mr Tsang said that once the policing operation began, officers would encounter teething problems, which should not distract the Force from its mission and should be dealt with expediently.

"The plans that are in place are comprehensive and robust and we will be able to deal with all eventualities. Whatever we are faced with we should keep faith in these plans and our abilities to execute them. Having worked closely with all officers over the past years on this mammoth project, I have the greatest confidence that the operation will be a resounding success," he added.

Venue Task Force mobilised

SSP Cheung said the Venue Task Force at the Beas River is fully geared up for its challenging task, following months of intensive training.

"The human factor is now the key to the success of the security operation. Without the hard work, enthusiasm and alertness of the officers from all units working both inside and outside the venue, the plan cannot be carried out successfully. We are all fully committed to making our operation a success and look forward to rising to the remaining challenges," he added.

SSP Chan pointed out that members of his Venue Task Force were equally well prepared as a result of training and familiarisation visits to venues.

"Although toiling on sweltering days, the Task Force members take pride in having an opportunity to take part in such a grand event," said SSP Chan.

Force Search Unit

Police Search Advisor Lau Wai-shan, who is in charge of the search unit, listed planning, especially in the absence of precedents, and co-operation among officers as the key factors for security search.

Marine Tier II Company

"We carry a heavy responsibility and can't afford any mistake. Therefore we have carried out drills to seal off the river channel at the shortest period of time and to deal with unauthorised vessels barging in," said Commander Superintendent Siu Koon-yiu.

Police Dog Unit

Senior Inspector Ng Kwok-wing from the Unit pointed out that preparation started as early as two years ago to look for more explosive-sniffing dogs. Some serving patrol dogs had been retrained to play this role. Retraining was completed in February this year, and 35 dogs are well prepared to play their additional role.

Traffic enforcement and control

Enforcement and Control Section of Traffic New Territories South is responsible for escorting horses and ensuring smooth traffic outside the Sha Tin Venue, Hong Kong Olympic Village and Media Village before and after each event.

Chief Inspector Lee Wing-keung from the Section said more manpower had been deployed to cater for the needs of equestrian events. It took over three hours to escort each batch of horses to Sha Tin from the airport.

"Despite long working hours, officers are excited about their mission," he noted.

Public Order Negotiation Team

Many other units are also taking part at the Equestrian Events playing different roles, and all the officers involved see the Olympics as a hard-to-come-by event, and take pride in being part of the operation.

Airport Security Unit officers guarding the departure of horses from the airport to Sha Tin

Deputy Commissioner (Management) Tsang Wai-hung addressing a meeting of the Force Steering Committee for the 2008 Olympic and Paralympic Equestrian Events

Officers of the Force Search Unit conduct security checks before the vehicles enter the Hong Kong Olympic Equestrian Venue (Sha Tin)

Force Search Unit officers conduct a hazardous search in the Hong Kong Olympic Village

Police explosive-sniffing dogs checking the spectator stand at the Hong Kong Olympic Equestrian Venue (Sha Tin)

After a day of hard work at the Sha Tin Venue, Police explosive-sniffing dogs take a break and quench their thirst

Accompanied by Commissioner Tang King-shing, the Chief Executive, Mr Donald Tsang, inspects the procedures of security checks at the Beas River Venue

Force Search Unit officers check manholes in the Hong Kong Olympic Village

Officers of the Marine Tier II Company placing floating barriers to prevent unauthorised entry into the Shing Mun River Channel

Officers of the Marine Tier II Company conducting security checks in the Shing Mun River Channel off the Hong Kong Equestrian Venue (Sha Tin)

Officers monitor the areas close to the Hong Kong Olympic Equestrian Venue (Sha Tin) at a venue command centre