The NPO scheme was reviewed at the end of 1984 and
again in late 1987. In 1984 the conclusion was that the
reorganisation had allowed better use of police resources; general criticism by the public had been minor; and that
external telephones should be fitted for the public to call
999 when the NPO was closed.
The 1987 review confirmed that the NPO scheme is a
more effective use of police manpower, putting more officers
on the streets and giving more even police coverage throughout
Hong Kong. The number of crimes reported has levelled and
there has been a slight increase in those detected. Fewer
reports have been made to NPO but more have been made to
patrolling officers. Since 1984 slightly more arrests have
been made by members of the public.
There are no plans to revise the NPO scheme although
it is intended that it should expand to keep pace with the
needs of the community.
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