HK police chief pledges safe celebrations of return

　　Tang said that comparing with other international cities, Hong Kong still remains one of the safest ones in the world, citing the city's crime rate standing only at 1,100 to 1,200 cases per 100, 000 people.

　　Talking about Hong Kong's hosting of the equestrian events of the 2008 Beijing Olympic Games, Tang acknowledged Hong Kong police still lack enough experience in dealing with major world sports events. "However, we are learning quickly," he said.

　　Hong Kong police have, time and again, invited foreign experts to give lectures on the issue, and have also sent officers to 2006 Torino Winter Olympic Games and Doha Asian Games to learn their experience of security work, he said.

　　"The Beijing Olympic Games Organization Committee is satisfied with the security plan we have mapped out, and we have also pledged to improve the plan whenever it is needed," he said.

　　To further ensure the security work, Hong Kong police have also established close cooperation and friendly relationship with police in the mainland and the Chinese People's Liberation Army (PLA) Garrison in Hong Kong, he said.