Apart from being successful in its strategy of reaching out through sports, the team dubbed "basketball ambassadors", has not lost a single match with students and community organisation teams since its formation last year.

According to Tai Po Divisional Commander, Ms Lo Suk-ching, the Police team plays an average of two to three games with schools and organisations every month.

"Through these sporting events, police officers of the Division have the opportunity to meet and talk with students in the district as well as to project a creditable Police image," she said.

Last month (March 2) a four-team competition was held in Tai Po Old Market Public School. The "Basketball Ambassadors" team played against three teams representing teachers, parents and the school's alumni. The Police team was the winner.

Miss Lam Wai-ling, Principal of the Tai Po Old Market Public School (pm) and also the designated chairperson of the Tai Po District Fight Crime Committee, said: "The meet was extremely meaningful. It reflected the joint effort by Police, school and parents to provide a healthy programme for youths."

Inspector Lam Wing-chau, Commander of Sub-unit 3 of Tai Po Division and the officer-in-charge of the team said: "We experienced some problems at the beginning when the team was formed.

"As team members came from different sub-units and worked different shifts, it was difficult to bring them together for practise matches.