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Public Order
THE role of the Fight Crime Committee was upgraded when it was reconstituted in May with the Chief Secretary as its new chairman. The revised terms of reference of the committee reflect the importance that the government attaches to the fight against crime and may be summarised as planning, co-ordinating, implementing and monitoring the efforts of all departments and agencies involved in combatting crime; stimulating the public to contribute to the reduction of crime; receiving and processing suggestions from any source on how crime might be reduced; and recommending legislative and administrative measures necessary to achieve this objective. The committee will report to the Governor twice yearly. The membership includes four unofficials, two of whom are members of the Legislative Council. All government departments involved in crime prevention and detection are now represented on the committee.
Most of the work involved in maintaining law and order on the ground falls to the Royal Hong Kong Police Force. The Independent Commission Against Corruption and the Customs and Excise Service also play important roles in the fight against corruption and in the continuing battle against drug smuggling. The Correctional Services Department administers Hong Kong's penal system and programmes, while the Fire Services Department makes a major contribution to the general safety of the community in the protection of life and property in case of fire and other disasters.
Police Force
Traditional policing problems again made heavy demands on the resources of the Royal Hong Kong Police Force during the year. There was an increase in reported crime. Particularly worrying was the continuing upward trend in violent crime and an increase in crimes involving the use of firearms.
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On the anti-crime front, the police continued to enlist general public support, with emphasis being given to combatting crimes committed by the young. The campaign was spearheaded by Junior Police Call, now firmly established as the largest youth organisation of its kind in the world.
Concerning traffic, the year saw the introduction of significant new legislation relating to the wearing of seat belts and the use of reflective number plates. The Traffic Police continued to work closely with other government departments on long-term traffic planning and on more immediate measures to improve the management of traffic, such as priority for public transport and segregating pedestrians so as to make the best and safest use of roads.
The force continued to be fully committed in stemming illegal immigration from China. The flow of refugees from Vietnam remained a problem which also required a substantial commitment. In addition to the constant presence of the Marine Police at the sea boundary