(5)
83.
LAW, ORDER AND SECURITY
The maintenance of law and order must be a prime objective for any Government. I am conscious that the people of Hong Kong desire a secure environment in which they can go about their business peacefully, and without fear or worry for their own and their children's safety. It is also important to
Hong Kong's reputation as a major commercial and trading centre
that all who live and trade here should have confidence in the
rule of law.
(a) Crime
84.
1983 is likely to show a slight increase in crime over
1982. On the other hand, last year's welcome downward trend in
juvenile crime has continued. The Government is, however,
concerned about the high incidence of crimes, many of a serious and violent nature, being committed by young males aged between 14 and 20 years. The Fight Crime Committee has thus chosen to target the 1983-84 Fight Crime Campaign at young males in this
age group. They represent only about 15% of the male
population, but accounted for about 31% of all male criminal
prosecutions between 1980 and 1982.
85.
(b) Police
To pursue the fight against crime effectively, a
police force must be well-trained, well-equipped and up to
strength. I am pleased to be able to report that recruitment
to the Royal Hong Kong Police Force
Kong Police Force remains satisfactory, and
training continues to receive high priority.
86.
A crucial factor in the effectiveness of any police
force is the ability to disseminate accurate information
available to police officers on the
quickly So that it is
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