The Hong Kong Police Force today (April 6) held the Police Recruitment Day (Spring) at the Police Headquarters to recruit Probationary Inspectors, Recruit Police Constables and Police Constables (Auxiliary).

     A total of 2,010 applications were received in this recruitment exercise, among which 800 were for Probationary Inspector, 1,113 were for Recruit Police Constable, and 97 were for Police Constable (Auxiliary). Applicants included graduates of local and overseas tertiary institutions, working people and ethnic minorities.

     The Police Recruitment Day provides one-stop service to applicants, including initial screening and scheduling of written examination for Probationary Inspector candidates; initial screening and group interview for Recruit Police Constable candidates; and initial screening and seminar for Police Constable (Auxiliary) candidates, which helps shorten the time required for the recruitment process. Successful applicants for the posts of Police Recruit Constable and Probationary Inspector will undergo training at the Hong Kong Police College in May and June at the earliest respectively.

     In the financial year 2019-20, the Force aims to recruit 1,815 police officers, comprising 195 Probationary Inspectors and 1,620 Recruit Police Constables. The Auxiliary Police Force aims to recruit 320 Police Constables (Auxiliary).

     The Force has been adopting a proactive recruitment strategy to attract high calibre candidates who possess the required competencies to serve. Six Volunteer Secondary Duty Cadres including the Technology Crime Initial Response Cadre, Force Search Unit, Police Negotiation Cadre, Force Escort Group, Force Rope Access Cadre and Briefing Support Unit were arranged to introduce their duties and equipment to candidates in the Recruitment Day. In addition, the latest episode of “Madam’s Classroom” series had been launched, introducing the preparations that candidates could make for the Police Inspector Extended Interview.

     The Force accepts job applications year-round. Persons who are interested in applying for Probationary Inspector, Recruit Police Constable or Police Constable (Auxiliary) can complete the application form at the Police website or mail the completed form to the Police Recruitment Division. For more information, please visit the Police recruitment webpage at www.police.gov.hk/recruitment.

      

     Hong Kong Customs yesterday (April 5) seized 82.5 kilograms of suspected rhino horn and cut pieces with an estimated market value of about $16.5 million from a transshipment cargo at the Hong Kong International Airport. This is a record high seizure of suspected rhino horn under smuggling by the department in the past five years.

     Customs officers screened a transshipment cargo arrived from South Africa with Malaysia as its destination.

     The cargo was declared as "auto parts" but suspicious X-ray images were found over it. The seizure was made subsequent to the opening of the consignment.

     The case has been handed over to the Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department for follow-up action.

     Under the Protection of Endangered Species of Animals and Plants Ordinance, any person found guilty of importing or exporting an endangered species without a licence is liable to a maximum fine of $10 million and an imprisonment for ten years.

     Members of the public may report any suspected smuggling activities to the Customs' 24-hour hotline 2545 6182 or its dedicated crime-reporting email account (crimereport@customs.gov.hk).

  

     Police advise motorists that special traffic arrangements will be implemented in Sha Tin to facilitate the race meeting tomorrow (April 7).

     The arrangements will come into effect two hours before the start of the first race and will last until the crowds have dispersed after the race meeting.

     Appropriate traffic signs will be put up and police will be on hand to guide motorists.

     The Police also appeal to people going to Sha Tin Racecourse for the race meeting and to Happy Valley Racecourse for cross betting to make maximum use of public transport.

     Parking spaces at the two racecourses are available only to holders of appropriate permits issued by Hong Kong Jockey Club and any vehicles illegally parked will be towed away.

Attention TV/radio announcers:

Please broadcast the following as soon as possible:

Here is an item of interest to swimmers.

     The Leisure and Cultural Services Department announced today (April 6) that due to big waves, red flag has been hoisted at Hap Mun Bay Beach in Sai Kung District.  Beach-goers are advised not to swim at the beach.

The following is issued on behalf of the Hospital Authority:

     During the winter surge, the Hospital Authority is closely monitoring the service demand of Accident and Emergency Departments and the occupancy rate in public hospitals. Key service statistics are being issued daily for public information. Details are in the appended table.