The Hong Kong Police Force today (January 12) held the opening ceremony of the "Hong Kong Police Force 175th Anniversary Open Day" at the Hong Kong Police College to kick start a series of activities in celebration of its 175th Anniversary.

     Speaking at the ceremony, the Chief Executive, Mrs Carrie Lam, congratulated the Force on its 175th anniversary. She expressed gratitude to the Force for its dedication and commitment in maintaining law and order over the years which contributed to Hong Kong’s prosperity and its development into a metropolis. 

     Also speaking at the event, the Commissioner of Police, Mr Lo Wai-chung said all Force members would continue to stand united to safeguard Hong Kong and work with the public to build a harmonious community with a view to maintaining Hong Kong as one of the safest and most stable societies in the world.

     Other officiating guests included the Director of the Liaison Office of the Central People's Government in the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, Mr Wang Zhimin; the Chief Secretary for Administration, Mr Matthew Cheung Kin-chung; the Deputy Commissioner of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the People’s Republic of China in the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, Mr Song Ruan; the Deputy Commander of the Chinese People’s Liberation Army Hong Kong Garrison, Mr Zheng Guoyue; the Deputy Director of the Liaison Office of the Central People’s Government in the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, Mr Yang Jianping; the President of the Legislative Council, Mr Andrew Leung; the Secretary for Security, Mr John Lee; the Deputy Commissioner of Police (Management), Ms Chiu Wai-yin; and the Deputy Commissioner of Police (Operations), Mr Tang Ping-keung.

     The open day features a rich diversity of activities, including performance and demonstrations staged by eight police elite teams, such as the Special Duties Unit (popularly known as the Flying Tiger Squad), the Force Escort Group, the Police Dog Unit and the Police Band; the “Studio ImmerXe” which broadcast a virtual and three-dimensional video about the history of Hong Kong and the Force; display of sophisticated police equipment; and game booths mounted by some 50 arts and sports clubs of the Force.
 
     Visitors would gain a better understanding of police work through participating in virtual shooting and watching demonstrations by officers. A number of social enterprises are invited to set up sale booths in the venue. The Hong Kong Autism Awareness Alliance also runs an art exhibition to showcase the artistic talent of autists.

     Today’s open day is a prelude to a series of activities in celebration of the 175th anniversary of the Force. Three more open days will be held on January 13, 19 and 20, with the aim of enhancing communication and understanding of the public on police work. Other celebratory events will include open days of police buildings, a charity concert, publication of a commemorative book, and release of special stamps. For details, please visit the Police Public Page (www.police.gov.hk).
 

            

Attention TV/radio announcers:

     Please broadcast the following as soon as possible and repeat it at regular intervals:

     The Leisure and Cultural Services Department announced today (January 12) that due to an insufficient number of lifeguards on duty, the lifesaving services at Silverstrand Beach in Sai Kung District is suspended until further notice.

     First aid service will be maintained at the beach.

     The Hong Kong Police Force today (January 12) organised the Police Recruitment Day (Winter) at Police Headquarters, recruiting Probationary Inspectors, Recruit Police Constables and Police Constables (Auxiliary).

     A total of 2,005 applications were received in this recruitment exercise, among which 826 were for Probationary Inspector, 1,007 for Recruit Police Constable, and 172 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 will undergo training at the Hong Kong Police College in March the soonest.

     In the financial year 2018-19, the Force aims to recruit 1,850 police officers, comprising 230 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. The Force will participate in the “Education and Careers Expo 2019” at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre between January 24 and 27, which features the display of equipment and demonstrations of more than 15 Police units, including the first-ever participation of the Briefing Support Unit with its constructed scale model. Members of the public can also play a VR shooting game and obtain limited edition souvenirs at the booth. Officers of the Recruitment Division will answer recruitment-related questions and accept applications on spot.

     The Force accepts applications year-round. Persons who are interested in applying for Probationary Inspector, Recruit Police Constable or Police Constable (Auxiliary) could 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 website at www.police.gov.hk/recruitment.

    

     Following is the transcript of remarks by the Secretary for Food and Health, Professor Sophia Chan, at a media session after attending a radio programme this morning (January 12):

Reporter: can you shed some light on how the Government to prevent the abuse of the Health Care Voucher? Would the Government consider providing subsidy to pregnant women so that they can receive subsidy on whooping cough vaccine?

Secretary for Food and Health: First of all, about the Elderly Health Care Voucher, we noticed that there is an increase in complaints about the use of the Elderly Health Care Voucher. Therefore, we have started a review on the use of Elderly Health Care Voucher, including its original intended objectives and whether there is any abuse. Also, we are taking into account the comments from service providers as well as consumers. We also take note of the local studies that look into whether the Elderly Health Care Voucher is used in a way that fits into its original intended objectives. We are looking into all these issues and comment, and hopefully come up with some measures to ensure that there is no abuse or the current situation can be improved. We have already started the review. Once we have confirmed (to introduce) some measures, we shall make announcement.

     Secondly, about the whooping cough, the Centre for Health Protection Scientific Committee (on Vaccine Preventable Diseases) has come up with some recommendations about providing vaccine to pregnant women. The Government is now looking into these recommendations and sees how we can move forward with the recommendations.

(Please also refer to the Chinese portion of the transcript.)

     The Drainage Services Department (DSD) will hold open days at Sha Tin Sewage Treatment Works on January 19 and 20 (Saturday and Sunday).
 
     In celebration of the 30th anniversary of the department, the theme this year is "30 Years of Groundwork, Embracing a New Age", featuring the DSD's 4Rs: review of the DSD's 30 years, river revitalisation, rehabilitation of ageing drains and sewers, and relocation of Shatin Sewage Treatment Works to caverns. Through exhibition panels, model display and guided tours, members of the public can have a better understanding of the department's development and effort over the years, as well as the work done on flood prevention, sewage treatment, and combating and mitigating climate change.
 
     The two-day event will also include stage performances, food trucks, game booths, a fun area for kids and a parent-child planting activity. Members of the public are welcome to join this wide range of entertaining and educational programmes.
 
     Admission to these activities is free of charge. Free shuttle bus services will be provided at the following locations on the open days from 9.15am to 4pm at intervals of 10 to 15 minutes:
 
* Pick-up/drop-off area near the MTR University Station Exit B bus terminus; and
* Pick-up/drop-off area at Pai Tau Street near MTR Shatin Station Exit B.
 
     Information on the open days is available at the DSD's website (www.dsd.gov.hk). For enquiries, please call the open day hotline at 3484 9346 during office hours.