Executive Council | Police departments to undergo revamp

The Executive Council (ExCo) has finished discussions on the government’s draft amendment of three legal bills regarding the police force, post and communication bureau and regulations on car emission control.

The proposal was announced in a press release last week, and divides a number of responsibilities between two police departments, the Unitary Police Service (SPU) and the Security Forces Coordination Office.

The Security Forces Coordination Office is currently responsible for drawing up a civil protection plan and for coordinating actions that raise the public’s awareness of civil protection.

The amendment suggests incorporating the administration responsible for civil protection into the SPU. The bill also recommends revoking the Security Forces Coordination Office, and accords the SPU the responsibilities of providing technological and administrative assistance to the city’s Safety Committee.

Another government proposal analyzed by the ExCo is the merging of the Bureau of Telecommunication Regulation with Macau Post. After the restructuring, the new bureau is expected to employ 560 people in total, with 468 from the current Macau Post and the remaining 92 from the current Bureau of Telecommunication Regulation.

The ExCo has also analyzed a proposal on limiting vehicle emissions and how to measure these. Under the proposed bill, vehicles such as taxis, coaches, tourism and school buses must conduct mandatory emission tests yearly.

Heavy motorbikes and light buses must undergo emissions testing every eight and 10 years, respectively, after their first test. Light motorbikes must undergo mandatory tests five, eight and 10 years after their first test.  Before the end of the 10-year period, light and heavy motorbikes may have to take an emissions test if the Transport Bureau (DSAT) considers it necessary. JZ