I refer to the letter headlined, 'Criminals would have a field day', by Amanda Whitmore Snow (South China Morning Post, July 17), opposing the closure of Discovery Bay Police Post. The police post at Discovery Bay was opened in 1985, because of the remote nature of the development which could only be reached by ferry. Although it is the police policy that private developments throughout Hong Kong, especially those with dedicated security staff, are not routinely policed, a special case was made for Discovery Bay given that any requests for police assistance would have been the subject of inordinate delays. One inspector, four sergeants and four constables were tasked with policing Discovery Bay even though the crime rate there was very low in comparison with other areas of Hong Kong. With the opening of the Discovery Bay Tunnel, Discovery Bay is no longer remote and this allows for a revision of police coverage in line with current policy and crime levels. As such Discovery Bay no longer justifies officers dedicated to that location and can be effectively policed from Tung Chung Police Station. Residents of Discovery Bay can be assured that no one will be deprived of the protection they deserve and that our response to calls from Discovery Bay will be within our performance pledge. We do not expect the opening of the tunnel to have a major impact on crime in Discovery Bay given the limitation on the types of vehicles permitted to use it. However, we shall retain flexibility to ensure that the levels of policing can be enhanced if future crime patterns require it. Criminals will not be allowed to 'have a field day' in Discovery Bay as we are firmly committed to our force vision that Hong Kong remains one of the safest and most stable societies in the world. FUNG KIN-MAN for Commissioner of Police
