The Macau SAR's Unitary Police Service and Customs are preparing for new responsibilities as the leaders for these departments are sworn in today.

José/; Proenç/;a Ló/; Branco, Commissioner-General of the Unitary Police Service, and Choi Lai Hang, Director-General of Macao Customs, were sworn in today at a ceremony witnessed by Chief Executive Edmund Ho and other officials of the SAR.

Secretary for Security Cheong Kuoc Va said in his speech that with these principal security officials now in position/; the security authorities are further strengthened to combat crime in order to safeguard the property and life of Macau residents and to maintain public order.

At a press conference held after the ceremony, the two security chiefs disclosed their plans for the two departments.

Mr. Branco said that the Unitary Police Service would focus on enhancing the overall quality of the police force by means of more sophisticated training and better supervision.

He also said that the Unitary Police would work to improve cooperation with neighboring regions.

Mr. Chui said that reviewing the current outbound trade regulations would be a priority for Customs after its establishment later this year.

Mr. Chui also disclosed a plan to set up a department within Customs to establish and run e-customs in order to save human resources to combat trafficking and other illegal activities in trade and transportation.

José/; Proenç/;a Ló/; Branco, 43, and Choi Lai Hang, 36, were appointed by the State Council as Commissioner-General of the Unitary Police Service of the Macau SAR and Director-General of Macao Customs in 2000, following the nomination of the Chief Executive, Edmund Ho Hau Wah.

Mr. Branco and Mr. Chui joined the Macau Security Police Forces and the Marine and Customs Police in 1983 and 1987 respectively. Both have completed the first Training Course for Police Officers and a course in Leadership and Command in 1998 and have headed many different departments and units since then.