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In response to media enquiries on the study by the Hong Kong Journalists Association regarding the information dissemination mechanism of Police on incidents that have occurred suddenly, a Police spokesman said today (September 12):
"Police respect press freedom and right of reporting. It is Police's established policy to facilitate the media as far as possible in news reporting.
The Police's Third Generation Command and Control Communications System (CC3) has come into operation by phases since the end of 2004. The system has increased the operational efficiency of the Force and the new digitised, encrypted platform has greatly enhanced protection against interception and unauthorised access by criminal elements.
To safeguard the public's right to know and to facilitate media reporting on incidents which have occurred suddenly, Police Public Relations Branch (PPRB) has enhanced its service to the media by tagging cases of interest to the media. With the introduction of the CC3, when an emergency call is received by the 999 Control Centre, Police will deploy officers to the scene to ascertain the nature of the incident reported. On arrival at the scene, the officers, depending on the circumstances, will take immediate measures to protect life and property. After the officers have completed the preliminary actions required and reported back that the case reported is confirmed, the 999 Control Centre will pass the relevant information to PPRB which will then disseminate the information in the form of "Attention News Editors" through the Government News and Media Information System of the Information Services Department. The media will decide whether to cover the case at scene.
In deciding what information should be disseminated, Police will take into consideration the public's right to know, the requirement of the Code on Access to Information, and the principles that the information would not involve personal privacy and affect judicial procedures. Police will provide the media with information on all incidents as long as they are in line with these principles.
The issuing of "Attention News Editors" is an enhanced service provided to the media. The newsroom of PPRB operates round the clock every day to provide the media with non-stop enquiry services. For major cases and those involve public interest, Police will, depending on the circumstances, make arrangements for case officers to brief the media at scene. Press releases on the latest development of the incidents will also be issued. PPRB will from time to time organise press interviews, briefings and press conferences on the crime situation and work of the Force.
Police have always attached importance to the working relationship with the media. Police will continue to facilitate the media as far as possible by providing timely information."
Police Report No. 7
Issued by PPRB
Ends/Sunday, September 12, 2010
Issued at HKT 20:10
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