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On May 20, Commissioner Tang Ping-keung visited Tseung Kwan O Police Station which was one of the police stations under attack in Operation TIDERIDER. During the visit, the Commissioner was introduced to a number of enhanced station security measures and met with a cross-section of staff of Tseung Kwan O District (TKODIST), including Uniform Branch, crime and auxiliary officers as well as civilian staff, who shared their experiences during the operation. The Commissioner also showed his appreciation for the hard work of all TKODIST officers.
To better understand the station defence plan and the characteristics of Tseung Kwan O Police Station, the Commissioner visited individual observation posts and defence posts, and spoke with officers who played a role in station defence. The Commissioner appreciated the efforts of all officers involved and highlighted the importance of preparing an effective arrest plan to enhance the deterrent effect against violence.
When meeting with a cross-section of staff, the Commissioner talked about the current situation and the challenges being faced by the Force. Since June 2019, there has been a growing number of crimes, such as violent incidents, criminal damage cases, unlawful assemblies and riots. In addition, multiple cases involving explosives and genuine guns were foiled by the Police. The Commissioner reminded the frontline officers to take precautions against home-grown terrorism. He highlighted that triacetone triperoxide (TATP) and remote-controlled bombs, which were commonly used by terrorists, were found in the explosives-related cases that the Police had thwarted recently. He advised officers to handle cases involving suspected explosive devices with extra caution.
Moreover, the Commissioner listened and responded to the difficulties which officers had encountered during the operation. He said the Force was vigorously studying the requirement of new weapons and personal equipment, and conducting the procurement of such items to enhance the response capabilities and protection of the frontline officers. The Commissioner also indicated that the Force was going to ramp up its manpower and resources, and additional manpower would be provided for every police district, which meant that by then TKODIST could arrange for the necessary expansion in the light of actual circumstances.
TKODIST officers greatly appreciated the Commissioner’s visit and support. They sincerely hoped that the Force could restore social order under the Commissioner’s leadership.
