***********************************************************
The policing of large-scale public order events has been one of the areas of interest of the Independent Police Complaints Council (IPCC). To facilitate IPCC to gain a holistic understanding on how Police handle large-scale public order events, Police organised a pre-event briefing for IPCC members, introducing the planned Police deployment to handle the public order events on January 1, 2014, followed by an on-site observation today (January 1).
The on-site observation started at two o'clock in the afternoon today. Under Police escort, IPCC members observed Police's arrangements at various locations along the route of procession, including the crowd management at Victoria Park, street stations, as well as the public meeting held on Chater Road in Central.
"The site visit allows IPCC members to appreciate Police considerations in planning of the operation and understand the policing arrangements. It also facilitates IPCC members to scrutinise related Reportable Complaints," a Police spokesman said.
"The Force endeavours to support IPCC in fulfilling its functions under the Independent Police Complaints Council Ordinance. We will continue to work proactively with IPCC in order to increase its understanding of our objectives and practices in a range of areas," the spokesman added.
In the past, IPCC had provided a number of recommendations to Police in respect of the management of large-scale public order events. Following examination and study, most of the recommendations have been taken aboard and implemented by Police.
Police welcome any constructive recommendations from IPCC in order to facilitate the smooth policing of public order events.
Police Report No. 480
Ends/Wednesday, January 1, 2014
Issued at HKT 20:50
NNNN
