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to central government as forcefully as they should.
have boycotted the consultative Police Force Council.
They
4. Like the rest of the civil service, the police are also concerned about the safety of their pensions, despite the
fact that the Joint Declaration and the Basic Law contain
very clear assurances about their continued payment after
1997 and that there is no reason to believe that a future
government of Hong Kong will not honour its undertaking.
There have been recent press articles arguing that police should be paid their pensions before 1997, and suggesting that they might be willing to take less than their entitlement in order for this to happen. The Hong Kong Government are examining suggestions from staff about ways to improve pension safeguards.
Law and Order
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5.
There is currently widespread concern in Hong Kong at the growing instance of violent crime particularly that using fire arms. Although crime statistics indicate only a
relatively small increase in violent crime, there have been a number of armed robberies and resurgence of triad
activity. A comparision of crime statistics between
Hong Kong and the UK indicate that Hong Kong's rate is lower in general but Hong Kong people have always placed a high priority on law and order.
6.
The Government has recently put out for public consultation, a white Bill on new measures to tackle
organised crime for public consultation. This is based on the American Racketeer Influenced Corrupt Organisations Statute. While many in the public have supported the bill, others have pointed out its draconian measures and that it may not be consistent with the new Bill of Rights. Work is still continuing.
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