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Public Order
In any community with more than four million people in a relatively small space, a major concern of the government is public order. The Royal Hong Kong Police Force, the Fire Services Department and the Prisons Department endeavour to keep up with the latest methods to deal with their problems. Overseas studies are made and visiting experts are consulted in various fields of internal security. Modern equipment is also tested and used by these departments if found suitable to the territory's conditions.
Police
Hong Kong continued to follow a world-wide trend in increasing crimes of violence although the force continued its efforts to cut down the crime rate, and several important counter measures were taken against criminals. One measure was the restructuring of the criminal investigation department in Kowloon District, which was launched as a pilot scheme in July. This reorganisation was aimed at improving the efficiency in the collating of criminal intelligence and crime detection and prevention. This involved the provision of more teams to investigate serious or complex crimes; the establishment of CID patrol and support squads for crime prevention; and more efficient methods of collection, collation, assessment and dissemination of criminal intelligence.
Another experimental scheme introduced during the year was the neighbourhood policing scheme. Modelled on Britain's home beat system the scheme involves the establishment of small units of policemen stationed in housing estates. They remain in a specific area for at least a year to build up a mutual understanding with estate residents. Their responsibilities are to maintain law and order and to promote good police public relations.
This concept of improved co-operation of, and assistance from the public was also extended to another innovation the Police Community Relations Officer Scheme, which was introduced in March. It involves the introduction into divisions of Com- munity Relations Officers. Their main tasks are to establish and maintain close contact and liaison with community organisations including City District Committees, Area Committees, Mutual Aid Committees, Kaifongs, schools, youth centres, clubs and associations; and to project a good police image and to offer advice and guidance to the local community.
The community was also involved in the 'Good Citizen Award Fund' and greater emphasis was placed on educating members of the public about their respon- sibilities in assisting the police in their fight against crime. The fund, set up during the 1973 'Fight Violent Crime Campaign', was exploited by staging large-scale public