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The Police Commissioner, Mr Tsang Wai-hung, today (September 1) met with the representatives of the Hong Kong Journalists Association and Hong Kong Press Photographers Association during which Mr Tsang had listened carefully to their concerns and there was an open exchange of views.
A Police spokesman said: "The Force will seriously consider and follow up on the views raised by the representatives of the two associations in relation to the recent major security operation with a view to improving arrangements for similar operations in future and facilitate the media in reporting and photographing."
Police respect press freedom and the media's right of reporting, and fully understand the importance of facilitating the media to conduct reporting activities and maintaining effective communication with them.
There are relevant sections in the Force Procedures Manual and the Police General Orders clearly stating that all members of the Force shall facilitate the work of the news media as much as possible and accord media representatives consideration and courtesy; and not block camera lenses.
As regards the complaints lodged by the media, the Complaints Against Police Office will conduct a fair and impartial investigation. The Serious Complaints Committee of the Independent Police Complaints Council (IPCC) will follow up and the Force will fully co-operate.
"Both sides acknowledged at the meeting that we should strengthen our working relationship on the basis of mutual respect and understanding,蒅 the spokesman said.
"We plan to make arrangements for frontline police officers and reporters to gain a better knowledge of each other's work through experience sharing forum, which will be conducive to future co-operation.
"In addition to the existing mechanism, the Force management will also consider strengthening communication with the journalists' associations by establishing other regular liaison channels."
The spokesman reiterated that Police would continue to maintain a close partnership with the media and provide all possible assistance on the basis of mutual respect and understanding. The Force would continue to maintain close communication with the media to strengthen co-operation.
Police Report No. 8
Ends/Thursday, September 1, 2011
Issued at HKT 21:04
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