3
assaults.
Use of the provisions have produced notable reductions in
robbery and burglary figures in certain areas. These exar ples
indicate that the provisions are, in Mr Peter C. Kong's words,
"performing a useful function"
6.
The Government also considers that the Police have been
enforcing the law in a satisfactory manner. The relevant Police
Headquarter's Crder sets out clearly the circumstances in which an
officer should act. It states that he must watch the suspect for as
long as possible to observe a pattern of behaviour which is genuinely
suspicious. It also states that the explanations offered by the
suspect should be checked at or near the time he gives them to ensure
that if the explanation is true and reasonable he will be released
immediately.
7.
The Government's view is reinforced by the fact that in
the five and a half years since the enactment of the loitering
provisions, the conviction rate has never been less that 60% in any
one year and has averaged 72%. Furthermore, in 1984, the first
complete year for which statistics were compiled, there were 2,644
prosecutions for loitering but in only 183 cases were there
complaints lodged with CAFO. Only 4 of those were substantiated.