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33.
In the event of further reductions in the size of the garrison some further savings in the size of support units and support costs would accrue. These are incorporated in the assessed cost of each of the options. However, the law of diminishing returns will operate as the garrison grows smaller, and it would not be possible to make any further savings in the command structure so long as it is necessary to maintain the main Command headquarters on Hong Kong Island.
POTENTIAL FOR THE EXPANSION OF LOCAL FORCES
Royal Hong Kong Police and Royal Hong Kong Auxiliary Police Force 34. The normal role of the Royal Hong Kong Police Force is to preserve the public peace, to prevent and detect crimes and offences and prevent injury to life and property. The fight against crime has the highest priority and its current and projected incidence places an increasing burden on the Police Force. The Force also performs a wide variety of other functions, including controlling traffic and policing the waters of the Colony. In this role the existing strength of the Force is fully stretched and, whilst increases in strength are projected, so far these are calculated to keep pace largely with the expected demands made upon the Force in its normal role.
35. In addition to its normal role, the Force has an internal security responsibility. To equip it for the task, there is a Police Tactical Unit, which is an advanced training centre, through which the majority of the Force passes in order to acquire a high level of proficiency in IS duties. At any given time, this Unit comprises four riot companies which form the Force reserve for emergencies. These companies can be deployed on a company or platoon basis wherever they are needed. In a large-scale emergency, the Force deploys into riot companies which are formed by withdrawing police from their normal duties in Districts. When the Force is fully deployed it has 38 companies available, including the 4 from the PTU. At this stage, there is a dilution of police coverage and a reduction of routine patrolling in some areas. Such diversion of the police from their normal role can only be sustained for a limited period of time, and carries with it the risk that disturbances could spread quickly into areas in which the police presence has been reduced.
14
G.F. 316
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