To meet increasing demand from cross-boundary passengers, the Shenzhen-Hong Kong Land Boundary Police Co-operation Scheme has launched. 

During a press visit to the police reporting centre at Lowu, Assistant Police District Commander of Border Law Cheuk-hung said that the aim is to foster liaison on cross-boundary police matters and enhance police services at the land boundary.

The Commissioner of Police had begun discussions with Guangdong Public Security officials on the issue in early 2002, said Mr Law, who oversees Operations and Crime.

Police facilities at the boundary crossing points in Shenzhen and Hong Kong will serve the public and assist in crime reporting and other police work. 

In Hong Kong, such facilities are provided at Sha Tau Kok Police Station and at the police reporting centres at Man Kam To, Lowu and Lok Ma Chau Boundary Crossing Points.

Mr Law stressed that the Scheme would handle only crimes and police-related matters that took place at the land boundary area. The existing Guangdong/Hong Kong/Macau Co-operation Scheme on Police Matters would continue to look after incidents outside the land boundary area.

Hong Kong Police and Public Security Officers working at the boundary districts have been appointed as Liaison Officers to maintain effective communication between the two law-enforcement authorities on a round-the-clock basis.

Mr Law said the Liaison Officers will collect and collate intelligence on cross-boundary crimes, especially those involving the area of land-boundary crossing points on both sides. Where necessary, they will arrange for victims and witnesses to visit the relevant police facilities in Shenzhen and Hong Kong to assist in investigations.

He said both sides will meet regularly to exchange criminal intelligence, information on crimes and other Police-related matters.

They will also ensure that reports Police receive are properly followed up through mutual assistance.