18/92
RESTRICTED 14
HKA
380/2
Crime
„P.a. pls
QW 2215
*
TALKING POINTS
1. CC OX/M patte
2. M SA 22/5
で
Bw2215
ms bathian
8 May 1992
TALKING POINTS issues on Fridays and records public views and reactions on current talking points collected from a small number of respondents in both urban and New Territories regions by City and New Territories Administration liaison staff over the week. As TALKING POINTS is not based upon a large representative cross-section of public opinion, indications in it should be treated with caution and should not be quoted authoritatively without first checking their reliability with the City and New Territories Administration.
LAW AND ORDER
Widespread
concern was aroused amongst respondents after the outbreak of the recent armed robberies and subsequent gun-battles between the police and the robbers. In the light of the recent spate of violent crime, many respondents expressed concern for their Own personal safety, especially in public places. Some respondents were particularly shocked that the latest target was a mahjong parlour, which in itself was often an establishment of complex and dubious background, and considered the robbery a daring move.
All respondents condemned the cold-bloodedness of the criminals and urged that early arrests be made and heavy punishment be imposed. Many respondents called for the reinstatement of capital punishment, although a few respondents doubted the effectiveness of using heavy sentences as** a deterrant.
2.
was essential.
Regarding the means to combat serious crimes, most respondents thought that co-operation from the Chinese Government Some said that in addition to talks between the Commissioner of Police and his Chinese counterparts, Chinese officials of a more senior rank, such as the Premier himself, should be approached for assistance to curb the flow of firearms and illegal immigrants into Hong Kong. Some respondents said that in recognition of the existence of a long border line between China and Hong Kong, border controls by both sides should be strengthened. Sea patrol along the coast should also be stepped up.
Internally, many respondents complained that the proposed upgrading of police equipment was slow in coming. Some suggested that strengthening the police intelligence network through means such as increasing payments to informants was essential.
A few respondents also suggested that policemen should be given more training in shooting.
3.
Recognizing the increasing danger faced by junior police officers, especially those engaged in street patrol duties, many respondents supported the granting of a "danger allowance" although a few maintained that police officers should not make use of the present situation to extract additional benefits. Many respondents, on the other hand, supported the decision to grant the police force the resources they needed to. improve equipment and supported the provision of greater compensation to officers wounded or killed in the line of duty.
C.N.T.A. 8 (Rev.)
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