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We query this matter of original evidence particularly, it seems from discussions we have had that Courts in Hong Kong are unusually pernickety on this question of 'best' evidence. A case in question was where a Personnel Officer of a large organisation was called as a prosecution witness to prove that the 'accused' was not employed by his firm. He gave the requisite evidence from the company records, which the court would not accept as he did not personally know the defendant and could not prove that he was not identical with any of the names in the records.
Incidentally, whilst discussing legal matters it became apparent to us that conspiracy is seldom considered as a suitable charge in corruption matters, whereas, in our experience, this is often the most useful charge to prefer.
Operations Department Report Centre
The report centre being the entity which often receives the first official intimation of corruption, particularly after regular office hours, confidentiality and security are most important. We consider that this would be improved by the addition of a counter across the room, whereby personnel unconnected with this particular duty are physically denied access to the operational part of the room. If necessary other non-sensitive matters requiring a 24 hour supervision such as registers for recording movements of personnel (if required) can be located on the more public side of the counter.
The present system of tape recording incoming telephone calls is good but open to abuse or forgetfulness. The latter could be eradicated by the connection of all phones in the Report Centre to a permanent automatic recording device.
Although we see the difficulties, it appears to us that a great deal would be gained by the employment of experienced personnel in the Report Centre (as soon as possible) who speak and understand both the Chinese and English language, and who between them have the capability of typing Chinese/English translations. The senior of these two 'reserve' officers should be a man of fairly high rank say Grade II (upper segment). This officer should be capable of making reasonable decisions on the information received. He could, at the outset, reject certain matters which are so trivial or absurd as to be worth no more than formal record. He would certainly appreciate the need for rapid action when necessary and be able to activate the necessary machinery. He would be able to afford appropriate advice to personal and telephone callers to I.C.A.C., which is no doubt often necessary in cases which do not really amount to corruption. At the same time he would be in a position to evaluate information not relating to