32
9.12
The CNTA further suggested that, where possible, priority for improvement should also be given to those squatter areas in which triad activities are found to be prevalent, even though the area's life span was short and the size of population relatively small. District Offices would bear in mind the needs of those squatter areas excluded from the HD's improvement programme and draw them to the attention of DBs.
SUGGESTED CHANGES IN THE LAW TO TACKLE ORGANIZED CRIME
9.13
At its last three meetings, the Working Group has been considering views expressed by members of the Attorney General's Chambers who have dealt with the prosecution of cases involving organised crime. Several proposals for legislative changes have been suggested to facilitate the prosecution of organised crime involving triads and gangs.
Proposals
9.14
The proposals which the Working Group considered should be further examined include
(a) the introduction of "consorting"
offences
(b)
persons convicted of membership of a triad society or related offences would be prevented for a specified period from "consorting" or associating with people with previous convictions of the same type. They might also be banned from certain types of establishments (e.g. vice and gambling establishments or video game centres);
the early swearing of statements
to reduce the risk of key witnesses
changing their testimony under intimidation, sworn statements
admissable in court should be taken as early as possible after the offence is committed;
(c) the revelation of a defendant's triad
connections in court
at present a defendant's previous triad connections can only be revealed through cross-examination in court. If the defendant is not called then the connections cannot be revealed. The prosecution could be given the right to reveal such connections in cases of a serious nature;