In response to a wide range of questions they had regarding policing methods, the visitors were given a detailed PowerPoint presentation by senior District management on the Force's organisation and structure, daily policing activities, patrolling tasks, emergency response systems, and measures to counter illegal immigration activities.

A tour of the station followed and the visitors showed great interest in the operation of the Report Room, speaking with staff about detention and report recording procedures. After viewing regular and internal security equipment in the armoury, the visitors were shown an extensive range of arms, ammunition and equipment in the compound. They expressed considerable interest in the uniforms worn by beat officers, also viewing riot shields, various police helmets, breaking tools, a bullet resistant vest and screening breath test device. Finally they saw the latest Mercedes Benz large van and one of the electric environment-friendly scooters presently on trial in the District.

Following the station visit, the group toured the Regional Command and Control Centre Hong Kong Island, where they watched the "999" suite in action and chatted with officers manning the Wan Chai District console. The tour ended with a short visit to Headquarters Command and Control Centre, where the various systems and video links enabling senior Force management to oversee major events were demonstrated.

Feedback was overwhelmingly positive, and throughout the visit many contrasts were drawn between the style of policing in Finland, which has a population of only 5.32 million spread over an area 306 times larger than Hong Kong! Particular amazement was expressed at the substantial number of crime and miscellaneous reports handled by Wan Chai District on a daily basis, and the need for frontline officers to effectively police large-scale public order events on a regular basis.

In arranging for this visit, special thanks are due to Wan Chai Division staff, Senior Inspector Thomas Lo Wing-hang and Woman Inspector Alexandra Ip Sau-lan, EU HKI, PTU "E" Coy, FIS FR WT and TBHQs for providing much of the equipment for the demonstration, as well as the staff of RCCC HKI and Operations Wing regarding HQCCC.

The Finnish visitors show great interest in the Force's wide range of equipment

The Finnish Police Officers are impressed with the Force's environment-friendly scooters

• English version only