The clearance rate over the last two years has averaged seven out of 10, which is good by international standards. Nonetheless, murder is the most serious of crimes and as such dictates that every effort must be made to bring the culprits to account.
One of the main problems and priorities remained the menace of triad activities and triad-generated crimes. In particular, extensive action was directed against the organisation and protection of prostitution and illegal gambling, and outright extortion from public light bus operators, shopkeepers, hawkers, resite area residents and any other potential source. During 1976 some 4,700 extor- tion offences were uncovered, almost double the number of the previous year. The increase is indicative of successful police tactics and a greater willingness by victims to report cases. Additionally there were 4,061 prosecutions under the Societies Ordinance, while the neutralisation of a large number of vice and gambling establishments significantly reduced the venues for these organised criminal activities. Thus, the year brought considerable success in this field, but the aim of the whole Force is to continue and intensify pressure with a view to eradicating these leeches and hooligans from society.
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A further menace narcotics also remained a prime target area. As described later, successes in terms of action relating to heroin refineries, drug stores, major import co- signments and arrests of high-level operatives were a source of satisfaction. Meanwhile, drug trafficking offences rose by 69 per cent to a total of 2,711, while seizures of opium and morphine were well in excess of the figure for 1975. Seizures of heroin decreased mainly due to reduced stocks and a wider dispersal of supplies.
The police effort and the detection rate was reflected in the number of persons arrested for criminal offences 23,500, an increase of 11 per cent over 1975. Of the total, slightly less than one third were under 21 years of age, a decrease of 1.1 per cent. This must be viewed against the age of the whole population, of whom 44.5 per cent are below the age of 21. The number of first offenders was high at 46 per cent.
In examining overall crime trends, the inevitable question arises: 'What proportion of crime is reported?'. While it is impossible to quantify precisely, it is safe to assume that a large proportion of crimes of violence and those involving property of high value are reported, and that most of those not brought to light are of a relatively minor nature. A number of sophisticated studies have been conducted, mainly in the United States, which have enabled more accurate assessment of reporting levels as well as other characteristics of crime, criminals and victims, thus facilitat- ing counter measures. Given the realisation of plans for a strengthened and centralised statistics unit and system within the Planning and Research Division of the Force in 1977, it is intended to undertake a similar study in Hong Kong. Meanwhile, there are tangible indications that a higher percentage of crime is being reported than in past years - particularly before the 1973 Fight Violent Crime Campaign.
In this context, the importance of reporting cannot be over-emphasised, for while a particular crime may not be detected because of its very nature or the specific circum- stances, the information will contribute to the continuous monitoring of trends by the Force. This aids the optimisa-
tion of deployment, and hence prevention. Furthermore, a single report frequently leads to the detection of many other similar offences. To reduce inconvenience to mem- bers of the community, crime reporting procedures are kept under constant review and, during 1976, were yet again streamlined.
In monitoring, analysing and evaluating trends, and projecting future needs in countering crime, clearly much of the effort is undertaken by the Force. However, govern- ment departments, together with representatives of the community, join the Police in their endeavours.
For example, the Fight Violent Crime Committee, under the chairmanship of the Secretary for Home Affairs, com- prises members drawn from the Legislative Council, government departments and the public. The Deputy Commissioner and other senior officers attend an average of eight meetings a year. Members of the committee freely exchange views and constructive approaches to problems. are examined. During 1976, as part of the ongoing anti- crime drive, 17 district (equating with police divisions) Fight Violent Crime Committees were formed. These local committees are attended by police representatives and have similar functions to the main body though at local level. Ten of the committees are located in the urban areas and seven in the New Territories.
A final illustration of the co-operation of members of the community is the formation of Mutual Aid Committees -- small groups of residents of housing estates or complexes who assume responsibility for assisting the Police in their efforts. A total of more than 2,100 such committees existed at the end of 1976.
Structure of the Criminal Investigation Department The head of the department is the Director of Criminal Investigation, a Senior Assistant Commissioner, who is in direct command of the various formations which comprise CID Headquarters. In conjunction with district com- manders, he is responsible also for the co-ordination and efficiency of the CID as a whole and advises the Com- missioner on all matters relating to crime.
CID Headquarters comprises a number of units grouped together on a functional basis:
Special Operations Anti-Triad
Commercial Crime Narcotics
Support Services
The units work closely with districts and divisions, and activities are co-ordinated through working groups and by direct liaison between the unit commanders. By and large, the headquarters units complement and provide support for district and divisional CID.
In districts, CID formations fall under the direction of the district commander aided by a senior CID officer who commands CID formations at district headquarters and advises the commander on CID matters. Units at district headquarters comprise largely crime units which deal with the more serious and protracted investigations. Included is a criminal intelligence section.
Divisional ground action is directed by the superintend- ents in charge of divisional stations and is an integral part of the stations' operations. Each formation has investigation teams, crime squads, action squads and an intelligence unit.
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