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The Hong Kong Police Force is committed to protecting the public, preventing
and detecting crime, maintaining law and order, ensuring smooth traffic operations
and reducing the number of accidents, as well as stamping out illegal immigration.
At year-end, the Police Force had an establishment of about
28 000 police officers supported by more than 5 400
civilian staff and reinforced by some 4 500 volunteers serving in the
Hong Kong Auxiliary Police Force.
During the year, Hong Kong remained one of the safest cities
in the world, with the police sparing no effort in combating violent crime,
triad activities and drug offences.
In meeting one of the Commissioner's operational targets
for the year, the force accorded priority to working closely with Mainland
authorities to clamp down on crimes committed by illegal immigrants and
two-way permit holders.
On other fronts, the Police Force maintained exchanges of
intelligence with overseas law enforcement agencies in combating terrorism.
A large-scale counter terrorist exercise, codenamed 'Spellbinder', was
held in October to enhance police contingency plans and ensure an effective
response to any terrorist threat.
To better meet various challenges, the 'Three Year Strategic
Action Plan' of the Police Force was revised and republished in September,
setting out the focus of police work from 2003 to 2006 with the addition
of a further 20 projects. These projects include a review on the alignment
of the New Territories regions in the light of demographic changes, the
enhancement of force members' language capability and the development
of a training strategy to facilitate better understanding of and response
to Mainland-related issues.
Reported crimes in 2003 totalled 88 377, an increase of 16.5 per
cent compared with 75 877 crimes recorded in 2002. The crime rate
stood at 1 297 cases per 100 000 population, a rise
of 16 per cent compared with 1 118 cases in 2002. The increase
was mainly due to the rise in non-violent crimes such as theft and criminal
damage.
Violent crimes increased to 14 542 cases, a
rise of 2.8 per cent compared with 14 140 cases in 2002.
Robbery, wounding and serious assault accounted for 71.3 per cent of the
total number of violent crimes in 2003. There was a decrease in the relatively
more serious violent crimes such as murder, rape, wounding, kidnapping
and robbery.
Altogether, there were 3 215 cases of robbery
in 2003, a drop of 8 per cent compared with 3 493 cases in
2002. There were no cases of robbery with genuine firearms, compared with
four in 2002. The number of bank robbery cases remained the same at 34.
Most of these were perpetrated by lone culprits and did not involve serious
violence.
Regarding non-violent crimes, burglary increased from
8 211 cases in 2002 to 9 076 in 2003, a rise of 10.5
per cent. Serious narcotics offences decreased from 2 243
in 2002 to 2 142 in 2003, a decline of 4.5 per cent. Theft
increased from 32 025 cases in 2002 to 40 887
in 2003, an increase of 27.7 per cent. Deception increased slightly from
4 656 cases to 4 732 over the same period, a
rise of 1.6 per cent.
Of the 88 377 crimes in 2003, 39.2 per cent
or 34 672 crimes were detected, with 42 051 people
arrested for various criminal offences. Of those arrested, 5 156
were juveniles (aged below 16) and 6 018 were young
persons (aged 16 to 20). Most of the juveniles and young persons were
arrested for shop theft, miscellaneous theft, wounding, serious assault
and robbery. Drug-related offences were also prevalent among the crimes
committed by young offenders.
In 2003, there were four cases involving the use of firearms compared with
eight in 2002. There were 28 firearm seizures, compared with 23 in the previous
year. The majority of the seizures were the direct result of intelligence-based
operations conducted by the Police Force. Increased cooperation between the
force and other law enforcement agencies, especially those on the Mainland,
continued to yield an effective exchange of information on the activities of
cross-boundary criminal syndicates, which is important in combating crimes involving
firearms.
In 2003, a total of 2 301 vehicles were reported missing.
This represented a decrease of 4.6 per cent compared with 2 412
vehicles in 2002. The number of luxury vehicles and high-performance vehicles
reported missing continued to decline. Rigorous local enforcement action,
enhanced boundary control, intelligence sharing with overseas and neighbouring
jurisdictions and the Mainland authorities' ban on right-hand drive vehicles
continued to contribute towards the downward trend in vehicle theft.
The situation with regard to organised crime and triads remained stable as
in previous years. There were 2 471 triad-related cases in 2003,
accounting for only 2.8 per cent of the 88 377 total reported crimes.
Persistent and proactive enforcement by the Police Force has resulted in a steady
decline in the number of triad-related crimes reported over the last few years.
The Organised and Serious Crimes Ordinance, enacted in 1994,
has given law enforcement agencies enhanced powers against organised crime
and syndicates. The ordinance includes provisions governing confiscation
of crime proceeds and enhanced sentencing of criminals upon conviction.
During the year, 21 persons were charged with offences under this legislation
and confiscation orders issued by the courts resulted in the confiscation
of $380,000. Restraining orders have frozen a total of $164.25 million
pending court proceedings.
The Police Force has been proactive in maintaining closer
ties with Mainland and overseas law enforcement agencies. The success
of numerous high-profile operations such as Operation 'Twilight', which
targeted many facets of organised crime and triad activities in Macau,
Hong Kong and the Mainland, has highlighted the effectiveness of collaborative
enforcement action in combating organised crime.
The Witness Protection Programme is administered by the Police Witness Protection
Unit. The unit provides a wide range of protective measures tailor-made to suit
the needs of individual witnesses assessed as being exposed to a genuine threat
of serious physical injury or death. These include, as permitted by the Witness
Protection Ordinance, a change of identity. The unit also assists and advises
other units and divisions in the Police Force on protection of witnesses who
are under a lesser threat.
In 2003, the five Regional Child Abuse Investigation Units investigated a total
of 104 child abuse cases (99 involving sexual abuse and five serious physical
abuse). The figure decreased by 11.9 per cent compared with a total of 118 cases
in 2002. To protect the welfare of children, a multi-disciplinary approach has
been adopted in handling child abuse cases. Joint investigations have been conducted
with officers of the Social Welfare Department (SWD) in cases that required
immediate social work intervention.
Interviews of children are conducted in confidential and
child-friendly video interview suites situated in non-police premises.
These interview suites are equipped with advanced facilities for forensic
examinations in a more caring environment. In 2003, the Police Force and
the SWD jointly organised two basic training programmes including advanced
programmes for trainers, police officers and SWD officers in special investigations
relating to child abuse cases.
Officers from the Child Protection Policy Unit (CPPU) continued
to give lectures on public education and to organise publicity programmes
on the prevention and handling of child abuse cases for parents and concerned
professionals from both the Government and non-governmental organisations.
The Prevention of Child Pornography Ordinance took effect
on December 19, 2003. This ordinance further protects children from exploitation
in the form of child pornography and child sex tourism. Although child
pornography and child sex tourism are not widespread in Hong Kong, police
officers will continue to be vigilant in guarding against such criminal
activities.
In March, the Juvenile Offenders (Amendment) Bill 2001 was
passed by the Legislative Council, raising the minimum age of criminal
responsibility from seven to 10 years.
To strengthen support services for children or juveniles
who come to the attention of the police due to non-law abiding behaviour,
the Police Force and the SWD jointly introduced a 'Family Conference'
arrangement in October. A 'Family Conference' will be conducted for children
or juveniles who are cautioned under the Police Superintendent's Discretion
Scheme. It brings together family members of cautioned juveniles and professionals
from relevant government departments and agencies to assess the youngsters'
needs, and prepare a follow-up welfare plan for them. The SWD will make
the decision on whether or not a 'Family Conference' is required.
In compliance with Article 37(d) of the United Nations Convention
on the Rights of the Child that every child deprived of his or her liberty
shall have the right to prompt access to legal and other appropriate assistance,
the Legal Representation Scheme took effect on October 1. Under the scheme,
free legal representation will be made available to children or juveniles
involved in care or protection proceedings who are deprived of their liberty
and detained in a place of refuge. The Administration has commissioned
the Duty Lawyer Service to run the scheme.
The number of reports of syndicated and serious fraud handled by the Commercial
Crime Bureau (CCB) during the year declined by 17.8 per cent (83 compared with
101 in 2002), while the reported total financial losses increased by 0.6 per
cent ($1,514 million compared with $1,505 million in 2002).
The successful conclusion of a number of court cases concerning
'pyramid scheme related fraud', with offenders receiving jail sentences
of up to three years and nine months, has had a substantial deterrent
effect on such crimes. Action taken against a syndicate involved in the
fraudulent transfer of bank funds resulted in the arrest of 46 persons
and prevented a potential loss of $41 million. A number of defendants
have been sentenced to imprisonment for periods of up to six years and
three months. There was also a series of mortgage frauds, in which suspects
obtained mortgage loans from banks by providing false personal and credit
information. Proactive action was taken with the cooperation of the banking
industry and this resulted in the neutralisation of a syndicate, preventing
a potential loss of $49 million.
In 2003, after strategic and coordinated action by the CCB
and the Hong Kong Association of Banks, together with wide publicity in
the media, the number of complaints of suspected fraud related to personal
bankruptcy was contained. However, given the increasing number of complaints
of suspected company insolvency fraud and abuse of the Protection of Wages
on Insolvency Fund, the CCB is working with other concerned departments
to take action to investigate all incidents.
In preparation for the operation of the Securities and Futures
Ordinance from April 1, 2003, the CCB enhanced cooperation with the Securities
and Futures Commission in taking enforcement action and sharing experience
and knowledge. The successful prosecution and conviction in a high-profile
market manipulation case was testimony to this cooperation. The CCB has
also maintained close liaison and partnership with other agencies, such
as the Hong Kong Monetary Authority, the Companies Registry, the Labour
Department and the Official Receiver's Office.
There were a total of 588 cases of technology crime reported
in 2003, compared with 272 in 2002. Over 49 per cent of the cases reported
are attributable to minor crimes associated with online games, such as
the unauthorised use of passwords of other persons to 'steal' or remove
virtual weapons or tools earned while engaged in role-playing games.
The examination of computer systems for the purpose of searching,
retrieving and preserving digital evidence (computer forensics) continues
to provide the greatest challenge due to the increasing size and variety
of the data storage media.
The Technology Crime Division continued its efforts to foster
closer ties with overseas law enforcement agencies. In October, the division
hosted a successful 'Computer Crime Investigation and Training Seminar'
which was attended by representatives from eight different jurisdictions.
It continued to play a leading role in the Interpol Asia-South Pacific
Working Party on Information Technology Crime by assuming the group's
Vice Chair.
In 2003, the Police Force continued to accord high priority to tackling the
trafficking and abuse of psychotropic substances, especially in respect of young
persons and the use of ketamine. At the same time, an upsurge in the trafficking
and abuse of heroin in divans was a major target for enforcement.
There was some success in reducing the psychotropic substance
abuse problem. However, it was clear that sustained enforcement action
would be necessary. The Police Force recorded some impressive results
during operations to prevent psychotropic substances from reaching abusers,
and quell abuse. A total of 39.49 kilograms of ketamine and 95 650
'ecstasy'-type tablets were seized. In 2003, a total of
1 770 persons were arrested for offences connected to ketamine and
639 were arrested in cases related to 'ecstasy'-type tablets. In a significant
case, officers dismantled a fairly sophisticated 'ecstasy'-type tablet
production enterprise based in Hung Hom, Kowloon. In operations targeting
narcotic drugs, the Police Force seized a total of 40.17 kilograms of
heroin and dismantled three heroin cutting centres. Officers also neutralised
the operation of a large number of premises used as divans where heroin
was sold and abused. Traffickers and abusers had switched to supplying
and abusing narcotics in divans on account of stringent police enforcement
at street-level 'black spots'.
In addition, the Police Force seized 215.61 kilograms of
herbal cannabis, 4.3 kilograms of cannabis resin and 35.32 kilograms of
methamphetamine ('ice'). A small amount of gamma hydroxybutyric acid (GHB),
an illegally produced central nervous system depressant, was seized.
In 2003, the number of persons arrested for drug offences
totalled 8 652, compared with 9 413 in 2002.
Among those persons arrested, 1 081 were aged 16 to 20 years and 132 were
aged under 16. Compared with 2002, there was a 23.1 per cent decrease
in the number of arrested persons aged under 21.
Numerous complex financial investigations were conducted,
either related to drug trafficking proceeds from local cases or to assist
overseas law enforcement agencies.
Throughout the year, the Narcotics Bureau continued efforts
to enhance the Police Force's drug abuse prevention work, particularly
the work aimed at young persons.
The Crime Prevention Bureau continued to provide a public advisory service
and 29 445 security surveys were conducted for both the public
and private sectors.
The bureau continued its educational role through campaigns
and seminars, its call-fax and web page services and the deployment of
the Robotcop and the crime prevention bus.
In 2003, a total of 320 000 leaflets on crime
prevention were distributed to tourists from the Mainland, especially
upon the commencement of the Individual Visitor Scheme and during the
National Day 'Golden Week' holiday period in October.
Appeals through the media are regularly made to heighten
public awareness of prevalent trends in street deception. For example,
a radio programme alerted the public to the most prevalent modus operandi
used by swindlers in targeting the elderly.
The bureau also deals with the regular inspection of over
860 security companies and provides briefings to new companies.
The Criminal Records Bureau maintains criminal records on people convicted
of certain criminal offences in local courts. In addition, the 'Enhanced Police
Operational Nominal Index Computer System' contains information on wanted persons,
missing persons, warrants of arrest issued by courts, and an index of persons
convicted of serious arrestable offences, from whom DNA samples have been taken.
The bureau also maintains central indices on stolen or missing vehicles, a computerised
suspect album library, an index of crime information sent to the Police Force
by members of the public and a system that can assist in identifying suspects
by their criminal methods and descriptions.
The Forensic Firearms Examination Bureau continued to play an important role
in the investigation of firearms-related crimes by enhancing the quality of
services it provides within the Police Force and to other disciplined services.
Since 2000, the bureau has been an accredited laboratory with the American Society
of Crime Laboratory Directors (ASCLD) and ranked in equal status with other
overseas facilities, such as the FBI Laboratory in the United States.
The bureau's Scanning Electron Microscope and the computerised
Integrated Bullet and Cartridge Identification System have heightened
the force's capability in solving firearms-related crimes.
The Identification Bureau continued its key role in the investigation and detection
of crime by applying the latest fingerprint detection techniques in crime scenes
and subsequent fingerprint identification.
The Scene of Crime Section provides fingerprint services
at crime scenes on a 24-hour basis. Through efficient coordination, Scene
of Crime Officers attended 89.3 per cent of crime scenes within 45 minutes
of being called. To implement the provisions of the DNA legislation that
took effect in 2001, a dedicated cadre of Scene of Crime Officers has
been responsible for DNA sampling since June of that year. With effect
from June 2003, the responsibility for the collection of DNA samples has
been divided into two groups of officers. About 1 000 front-line officers,
including Uniform Branch and Crime, are now trained for taking DNA samples
(normally buccal swabs) from suspects, volunteers and convicted persons.
Scene of Crime Section officers recover both fingerprint and DNA evidence
from crime scenes. The number of DNA profiles stored in the database exceeds
4 50 and, in total, DNA evidence has linked over 280 cases.
The advanced technology applied in recovery of fingerprints
from crime scenes and exhibits, together with the sophisticated Computer
Assisted Fingerprint Identification System, contributes substantially
to the bureau's success by achieving a consistently high level of identification.
In 2003, the bureau identified 1 688 suspects involved in
1 493 cases. The Photographic Section also assists in the
gathering of valuable evidence from crime scenes, and its officers attended
4 275 crime scenes. During the year, the section produced
1 286 689 photographs and slides. Apart from conventional
photographic services, the section provided video crime scene re-enactments
and the printing of photographs from bank surveillance films and videotapes.
The Liaison Bureau acts as a coordination centre in dealing with all police-related
inquiries from overseas police organisations and local consulate officials.
The bureau's Liaison Division is responsible for liaison
with Mainland and Macau police authorities. Close liaison has been maintained
with the Interpol China National Central Bureau in Beijing, the Guangdong
Liaison Office, the Shenzhen and Zhuhai Liaison Sub-Offices of Guangdong,
and the newly established Shanghai Liaison Office. Since 1990, 236 criminal
fugitives and 287 stolen vehicles have been returned to Hong Kong from
the Mainland.
The bureau represents the Hong Kong Police Force in the
International Criminal Police Organisation (ICPO), better known as Interpol,
as a sub-bureau of the China National Central Bureau. A Hong Kong police
officer is seconded to the ICPO General Secretariat in Lyon, France, to
work in one of its specialised groups, to enhance international cooperation
in combating crime.
During the year, with the assistance and cooperation provided
by overseas enforcement agencies, two persons were extradited to Hong
Kong and nine were extradited from Hong Kong to other countries.
The Police Tactical Unit (PTU) Headquarters provides training to Regional
and District personnel to cope with internal security commitments. During the
year, more than 1 400 officers received such training. The training provides
officers with the capability to carry out a wide range of duties, including
anti-crime patrols, anti-illegal immigration operations, security operations
and crowd management for festive occasions, major international conferences,
public gatherings, processions and demonstrations.
During the year, PTU officers played an important role in
the successful policing of the Sixth Anniversary of the Establishment
of the HKSAR, the Hong Kong International Musical Fireworks Competition
in October, and various public processions.
On July 1, a public procession of the largest scale since
1989 was held on Hong Kong Island. Extensive police manpower was deployed
and the demonstration was conducted in a peaceful and orderly manner.
The Special Duties Unit (SDU), which is the Police Force's
counter-terrorist response unit, is also based at PTU Headquarters and
during the year it was deployed on a number of occasions to assist other
units in various operations. Although there is no specific intelligence
to suggest that Hong Kong is likely to be a target for terrorism, the
Police Force has continued to monitor the global situation to maintain
its preparedness and response capabilities.
The Police Force's annual counter-terrorism exercise was
significantly enhanced in scope and duration to allow participation by
a large number of officers. Its final scenario not only involved the majority
of force's counter-terrorism units, but also provided an opportunity for
other government departments and outside agencies to participate, thereby
assisting them in being prepared.
The Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) Bureau is responsible for dealing with
all explosive devices and weapons in Hong Kong. This remit includes dealing
with Chemical, Biological, Radiological and Nuclear (CBRN) Weapons. The bureau
is trained and equipped to deal with such items on dry land and underwater and
is called out, on average, over three times per week. Items dealt with range
from large World War II aircraft bombs and sea mines to improvised explosive
devices.
In addition to EOD operations, the bureau is heavily involved
in training. This includes lectures and demonstrations on bomb awareness,
action at bomb scenes and action at CBRN incidents for both the Police
Force and outside agencies. As part of this effort, the bureau continues
to maintain and build links with overseas organisations. During the year,
a number of bomb disposal officers from other countries came to Hong Kong
to participate in exercises and training in order to exchange knowledge
and experience.
There has been an overall downward trend since 1993 in illegal immigration
from the Mainland. During the year, 3 809 illegal immigrants were
arrested by the police, an average of 10 per day, representing a decrease of
29 per cent compared with 5 362 in 2002. Of these, 66 per cent
crossed the land boundary and remaining 34 per cent claimed to have entered
by sea.
Close liaison in the form of regular liaison meetings and
exchange of intelligence was maintained with the Guangdong Border Defence
Bureau. The Guangdong bureau has been working in partnership with the
police in preventing cross-boundary crimes. The entire boundary fence
is now monitored round-the-clock with the use of advanced technical equipment
to intercept illegal immigrants from the Mainland.
There are about 170 dogs in the Police Dog Unit, comprising general patrol
dogs and 'sniffer' dogs. The unit is responsible for ensuring that all dogs
and handlers are professionally trained and their skills are maintained at a
high level of proficiency. The unit also provides training to drug detection
dogs from the Customs and Excise Department.
Special 'sniffer' dogs are stationed at the Hong Kong International
Airport and at the Kai Tak Operational Base to provide round-the-clock
service in search operations. The unit's explosives detection dogs also
play a key role in security operations undertaken by the Police Force.
In 2003, there were 14 436 traffic accidents involving casualties,
representing a 7.3 per cent decrease compared with 2002. The number of fixed
penalty tickets issued for moving offences was 374 714, a decrease
of 4 per cent. Police officers and traffic wardens issued 506 286
tickets for parking offences during the year, representing a marginal decrease
of 1.2 per cent. The number of summonses issued to traffic offenders stood at
62 195, a decrease of 5.1 per cent.
Within the licensing charter of the Police Licensing Office, there were 223 127
holders of valid Security Personnel Permits (SPP) in Hong Kong at
year-end. Legislative amendments to the Criteria for Issuing Security Personnel
Permits under the Security and Guarding Services Ordinance took effect on April
1. The amendments were aimed at tightening the criteria for issuing permits
to persons with criminal records and to ensure that people who are granted permits
have acquired the basic security knowledge required for discharging their duties,
so as to further enhance the quality of the security service.
To facilitate legitimate business operations under the Massage
Establishment Ordinance, the legislation was amended in December. The
amendments provide for a reduction in the licence renewal fee. In addition,
the processing time for licence applications has been shortened.
In line with the principles of the Police Force's Strategic Directions,
the Marine Region has been carrying out extensive research into the operating
protocols and priorities required for policing the waters of Hong Kong
for the next 10 to 15 years, and making provision for adherence to the
International Ship and Port Facility Security Code (ISPS Code) due for
implementation in July 2004. Technologically advanced coastal surveillance
systems, together with fast intercept craft linked by an enhanced radar
system, are considered a practical and cost-efficient response to the
future policing and security concepts identified. Enforcement action continued
throughout the year, particularly with regard to illegal immigration and
smuggling, as well as other forms of illegal activity in Hong Kong waters.
The Police Public Relations Branch (PPRB) plays a vital role in explaining
police work to the media and the public as well as strengthening relationships
in order to enlist the public's support in the maintenance of law and
order.
Police Community Relations Officers attached to different
districts work closely with representatives from government departments
and organisations to keep the public well informed of police policies
and operational priorities.
During the year, the Secondary School Liaison Officers
Programme and the Junior Police Call Scheme continued to serve as bridges
between the police and youngsters. Membership of the scheme stood at 144
043 at year-end.
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In conjunction with Radio Television Hong Kong
(RTHK), the Police Force produces two weekly television programmes,
the 30-minute Police Magazine in Cantonese and the five-minute
Police Report in English to keep the public abreast of prevalent
crime trends and to appeal for information that will help officers
in investigations. |
Celebrating its 30th anniversary in 2003, Police Magazine
continued to enjoy high ratings while enhancing cooperation between the
Police Force and the community.
The PPRB and RTHK jointly produced a new television programme,
On the Beat, which made its debut in January. It aimed to further
enhance the image of the Police Force and promote public understanding
of police work. One of its episodes, entitled The Suddenness of Life,
won the Silver Plaque at the 39th Chicago International Television Awards.
Part II of On the Beat was launched in October
to disseminate the messages of 'The evil will not prevail over the good'
and 'Justice has a long arm'.
Both Part I and Part II of the programme enjoyed favourable
ratings with as many as 1.5 million viewers aged four and above watching
each episode, on average.
Police telephone hotlines and Crime Information Forms provide
convenient channels for reporting crime. A total of 22 583 hotline
phone calls (not including those made to the emergency hotline 999) as
well as 2 049 returned Crime Information Forms were registered
by year-end, resulting in 2 722 arrests.
To commend people's initiatives in helping in the fight
against crime, the Police Force held two Good Citizen Award Scheme ceremonies
in June and December, with sponsorship from the Hong Kong General Chamber
of Commerce.
Information relating to police activities is disseminated
to local and overseas media organisations round-the-clock. During the
year, officers seconded from the Information Services Department (ISD)
handled 290 468 media enquiries, issued 3 445 press
releases, organised 321 press conferences and briefings and assisted media
coverage at 235 serious crime scenes and other incidents.
Information Officers at PPRB also worked closely with their
counterparts in the ISD and representatives from other government departments
as well as the Fight Crime Committee in planning and implementing the
Fight Crime Publicity Campaign 2003-04 which had two themes, namely, 'anti-street
deception' and 'anti-miscellaneous theft'.
To further publicise police-related information effectively,
the PPRB continued to update the contents and improve the presentation
of force publications, including the biweekly newspaper OffBeat,
the JPC monthly newsletter and the Police in Figures leaflet. The
Police Review 2002 won an Honourable Mention in the 2003 Best Annual
Report Awards organised by the Hong Kong Management Association.
The Police Force is about to complete a large-scale building programme, spearheaded
by the construction of a new Police Headquarters which is scheduled for completion
in April 2004. The headquarters complex will also accommodate the force's Central
District Headquarters and the Central Division Police Station. This development
will be a state-of-the-art complex equipped with modern technology and designed
to be operationally and energy efficient.
Other major building projects include a new Police Dog Unit
and Force Search Unit complex at Sha Ling, New Territories, which was
completed in October 2003. A new Police Post at Penny's Bay on Lantau
Island is scheduled for completion in late 2004.
Also being constructed is a new purpose-built Regional
Police Headquarters and Operational Base for the New Territories South
Region at Tsuen Wan due for completion in late 2005. The building of a
new Marine Police Outer Waters District and North Division Base at Ma
Liu Shui is expected to be completed in early 2006.
In conjunction with the expansion of Hong Kong's road and
rail infrastructure and the construction of new control points to cater
for the increasing cross-boundary traffic, facilities are being provided
for the policing of the areas concerned. Construction works on the relevant
facilities started in June and August and are due for completion in 2005-06.
The force-wide Station Improvement Project ended in mid-year.
Enhancement works have revamped the public interface areas of all police
stations into comfortable, clean and user-friendly facilities. This project
benefits both the staff working in the stations and the members of the
public who enter them. The Automated Station Security System was introduced
to enhance the security of police stations while achieving manpower savings.
The system was fully implemented in December.
The Police Force's land transport fleet stood at 2 500 which
included some 900 police motorcycles. In 2003, light emitting diode (LED) lights
were introduced to replace emergency vehicle beacons previously used on police
vehicles as the new lights enhance performance, durability and reliability while
consuming less power. Furthermore, the fitting of roof-mounted searchlights
to selected cross-county vehicles has also enhanced the police operational response
capability during the hours of darkness.
Design and implementation of the Police Force's third generation Command and
Control Communications System is well in hand for a phased roll-out starting
from the end of 2004. The new system will provide an integrated environment
including encrypted radio, telephone, wireless data transmission, incident handling,
and support for external interfaces to computer systems in other government
departments. An Automatic Vehicle Location System (AVLS) will facilitate more
flexible and efficient deployment of resources.
A state-of-the-art Internet Protocol-enabled telephone system
comprising voice and fax mail, interactive voice response and network
management sub-systems is being implemented for the new Police Headquarters
Phase III building. Integration with the structured cabling system of
the new building will provide an efficient and flexible communications
platform able to meet the Police Force's dynamic and ever-changing requirements.
Following the launch of TETRA (Terrestrial Trunked Radio)
voice services for the Marine Police, data transmission is now available
over the same radio platform. This also allows the location of police
vessels to be collected through the differential global positioning system
(DGPS) for real-time display of location, speed and course in the Marine
Police Control Centre.
Since July 2003, the Police Force has been testing a pilot records management
and filing system in two districts. Running on the Lotus Notes platform, the
system, known as GLORIA, promises to enhance efficiency in the running of office
registries and in the day-to-day management of police formations. In addition
to possible cost benefits, the system has proved highly adaptable.
Ongoing developments include an investigation management
and monitoring system that will greatly enhance the supervision of criminal
investigations and a training work-flow system to promote the Police Force
as a learning organisation.
During the year, the Police Force continued to focus on service improvement
by developing new initiatives to promote and reinforce a quality service and
customer-oriented culture within all police formations. The excellent results
obtained in the last Customer Satisfaction Survey conducted by an independent
agency at the end of 2002 confirmed the high standard of police services provided
to the public.
To further encourage officers to live out the Force Values,
the fourth round of the Living-the-Values workshop was conducted between
March and October, with 'professionalism' as its theme. In addition, the
Police Force participated in the Customer Service Excellence Award Scheme
(2002-03) organised by the Civil Service Bureau and won the Silver Award
of the Best Public Image and the Gold Award of the Most Impressive Booth
Presentation. Both awards involved substantial public voting.
Continuous improvement is one of the key values and the
Police Force organised a number of activities during the year to advance
further the standard of service quality. Two force-wide competitions,
the Force Service Quality Award and the Force Slogan Competition, were
introduced to pay due recognition to high achievers in the area of service
quality and consolidate efforts by all members of the force in preparing
to confront the challenges ahead. The competitions also served to enhance
the 'serving the community' spirit within the force.
The Research and Inspections Branch assists management at
all levels in the Police Force to identify and realise practical opportunities
for improved quality and performance, including better resource management.
A new inspection process has been devised to enhance the efficiency, economy
and effectiveness of the force as a whole.
The Complaints and Internal Investigations Branch investigates public complaints
against members of the Police Force, including traffic wardens, civilian staff
and members of the Hong Kong Auxiliary Police Force. Such investigations are
monitored by the Independent Police Complaints Council (IPCC), an independent
body comprising leading members of the community appointed by the Chief Executive
of the HKSAR.
In 2003, the Complaints Against Police Office (CAPO) received
3 384 complaints, a decrease of 438 cases, or 11.5 per cent, when compared
with 2002. The most prevalent complaints received in 2003 in descending
order were 'Neglect of Duty', 'Offensive Language & Misconduct/Improper
Manner' and 'Assault' which decreased by 10.8 per cent or 171 cases, 13.5
per cent or 146 cases and 1 per cent or six cases, respectively, compared
with 2002.
During the year, the IPCC endorsed the investigation results
of 3 569 complaints cases, which involved 6 262 allegations.
The rate of substantiation of complaint allegations that were fully investigated
was 14.5 per cent; 43.9 per cent of the allegations were classified as
'withdrawn', 'not pursuable' and 'curtailed'. Complaints of a minor or
trivial nature were dealt with by way of Informal Resolution, which was
adopted in handling 24.6 per cent of the complaints. A total of 32 police
officers were subject to disciplinary action arising from complaints made
by members of the community.
A civilian establishment of more than 5 400 in 56 different grades
is deployed throughout the Police Force, representing about 16 per cent of its
total manpower. Civilian staff members play a vital role by performing a wide
variety of functional duties to support police operations.
All newly recruited police officers undergo basic training at the Police Training
School (PTS). The training periods for constable and inspector recruits are
27 weeks and 36 weeks, respectively. In 2003, a total of 541 police constables
and 28 inspectors graduated from the PTS.
The Continuation and Promotion Division of the PTS provides
development and promotion courses to in-service and newly promoted junior
police officers. In addition, the division provides mock court training
for recruits, serving junior police officers and officers of other departments.
It also trains newly recruited traffic wardens and traffic officers in
various traffic-related subjects.
In 2003, the PTS continued to assist the Labour Department
and the Education and Manpower Bureau in running youth training programmes.
The programmes are aimed at developing young people's confidence, discipline,
interpersonal skills and leadership potential. During the year, a total
of 911 teenagers received such training at the school.
The Training Development Bureau continues to maintain its
core responsibilities of planning, designing, updating and continuously
reviewing the Police Force's training programmes. The use of e-learning
and an Internet-accessible Knowledge Management system are being pursued
in line with an overall plan to exploit opportunities available in information
technology.
The successful Learning and Development plan that encourages
participation in a lifelong learning culture is to be extended, providing
more resources to officers pursuing self-development courses at selected
universities and other institutions.
The Higher Training Division's role within the Training
Wing has been revised to meet the increasingly complex demands of the
police manager's role. Higher Training now focuses on competency-based
training and the developmental training needs of all officers in the Police
Force, from Constable to Assistant Commissioner level with the aim of
introducing or enhancing managerial and leadership skills. A number of
new modules have been introduced which cover basic managerial concepts
for junior officers to more in-depth seminars for senior police managers.
These modules will be continually developed to assist officers to equip
themselves with the skills necessary to meet both internal and external
customer expectations.
The Detective Training School successfully revamped all
Detective Training Courses to bring the syllabi of courses in line with
the changing needs of front-line officers. The new courses focus upon
equipping trainees with practical working skills through problem-solving,
scenario-based skills training.
The Weapons Training Division continued to design the most
updated and practical use of training methodologies involving the application
of force. The new technologies in crises resolution and resistance control
training introduced in 2003 enabled the practical use of police tactics
and the necessity and application of different levels of force to be demonstrated
realistically in given training scenarios. The levels of force that could
be practised included administering verbal commands, the application of
OC Foam or an extendable baton, and use of firearms. The continuation
tactics training for District personnel continued during the year, and
was welcomed by all participants.
The Police Driving School provides high quality driving
training to officers working in different formations. In order to meet
the unique occupational characteristics, apart from running basic courses
the school developed a series of Operational Driving Courses in car and
motorcycle training. The school also set up Regional Driving Examination
Centres in different regions to facilitate participation in the five-year
driving re-test.
The Information Technology Training Centre provides high
quality user training courses on various major computer systems in the
Police Force as well as microcomputer training with a view to enhancing
the force's performance and capability. The centre has also developed
a number of Computer Based Training modules to promote e-learning and
a self-learning culture for all force members. A memorandum of understanding
on e-learning was signed by the Hong Kong Police Force and the Singapore
Police Force in August. The two police forces will share e-learning contents,
development experience and expertise as well as explore the possibility
of joint development of e-learning packages.
The Police Force is also aiming to play a more active role
in police training in the international arena. Following its success in
chairing the Interpol's 14th Symposium for Heads of Police Colleges held
at the Interpol headquarters in Lyon, France, in December 2002, where
around 100 delegates from 47 countries all over the world attended, the
Police Force has been invited to co-host the 15th Symposium to be held
in Hong Kong in early 2005. For the first time, the Police Force was also
invited to give a presentation to the Interpol General Assembly, which
was held in Spain in October.
There were 2 414 applications for Inspectorate posts in 2003,
compared with 1 822 in 2002. Of the 17 officers who were appointed
as Inspectors, two were serving officers promoted from within the ranks. Recruitment
at the Constable rank remained satisfactory with 400 recruits out of 5 108 applicants.
The Personnel Services Branch provides a wide range of support services in
the areas of personal and family welfare, illness, financial protection, bursaries
and scholarships for children, psychological consultations, assistance with
retirement, sport, recreation, catering and the allocation and maintenance of
departmental quarters. During the year, the major sources of funding for most
welfare activities in the Police Force were the Police Welfare Fund, the Police
Children's Education Trust and the Police Education and Welfare Trust, which
were established with funds from public donations.
Welfare officers conducted casework interviews and visited
officers in need of welfare counselling and support. Welfare loans and
grants were provided to help needy officers and their families. Resettlement
courses and job placement services were provided to retiring officers.
Grants were offered to encourage officers to take up job-related academic
courses after work. Family Life Education Programmes and Support Groups
are organised to enhance relationship and problem-solving in police families.
The Police Healthy Lifestyle Working Committee continued
to promote activities in prudent financial management, and physical and
mental well-being. Under the Healthy Lifestyle Initiatives, volunteerism
was promoted among police and civilian officers. Hundreds of officers
responded to the appeal and registered themselves and their family members
as volunteers with the Police Volunteer Services Corps. The Boat Excursion
Scheme was also revamped, and proved to be a popular healthy activity
for officers and their families.
The Psychological Services Group provides professional counselling
services for officers. The group also launched a series of promotional
and training activities under the 'CARELINKS 2003 — Mental Health
in the Workplace Campaign', with the aim of enhancing mental health and
mutual support among force members.
Some 13 000 officers of various ranks are currently residing at
departmental quarters maintained by the Police Force. In addition to quarters,
serving officers can also choose to join various civil service housing benefit
schemes, subject to their meeting the criteria of the particular scheme. Officers
who are soon to retire may apply for their future accommodation through the
Civil Service Public Housing Quota.
During the year, nearly 3 000 officers moved
into new purpose-built Disciplined Services Quarters which provide an
improved standard of living. The number accounts for over 23 per cent
of the total police quarter occupation.
The establishment of the Hong Kong Auxiliary Police Force (HKAPF) stands at
4 500. In an internal security situation, the HKAPF discharges duties to guard
strategic and sensitive installations and to man command centres, and it also
acts as a reserve to give assistance during natural disasters and civil emergencies.
On a day-to-day basis, the HKAPF officers supports their regular counterparts
at large-scale events requiring crowd management and in certain planned operations. |
