Police officers will soon provide even more effective response when fighting crime and saving lives.

The Force has awarded a $540 million contract to Motorola for an advanced communications system.

Senior Assistant Commissioner for Police Peter Yam said the system will ensure officers have the best possible means of responding to incidents and public demands.

The completely integrated police digital radio and computer systems comprise four major components:

* A digital trunked radio communications system;

* A 999 emergency telephone system with automatic emergency call number and location identification capability;

* A mobile computing system; as well as,

* An automatic vehicle location system and geographic information system.

It will be introduced in three phases to the two New Territories Regions by the end of 2004, Hong Kong Island Region in mid-2005 and the two Kowloon Regions in early 2006.

Mr Yam said the Force is committed to delivering the very best police service to the community and maintaining Hong Kong's reputation as one of the world's safest and most stable societies.

He said the Force remained a regional leader in introducing new technology and equipment.