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PUBLIC ORDER
In addition, the Research Branch carried out a study of the organisation and manage- ment structure of the Communications and Transport Branch, derived from the need to provide an organisation capable of meeting the force's heavy and rising demands for technical resources. As a result, two separate branches covering communications and transport were set up in June.
Other research projects concluded during the year were studies concerning the handling and storage of property which comes into the possession of the police, and the enhance- ment of the Neighbourhood Policing Scheme.
Equipment
The Communications Branch is responsible for maintaining a great deal of highly sophisticated telecommunications equipment. It is tasked with improving the existing service and with providing additional facilities. An integrated data computer system for joint use by the Marine Police, the Royal Navy and-other organisations concerned with maritime security was partially completed during the year. A full communications system for the Mass Transit Railway came into operation in Kowloon Region, with work well advanced for an extension to the Hong Kong Island line currently under construction. Design work for the extension into the New Territories of the beat radio system, in use in Kowloon and Hong Kong Island Regions, continued to progress.
A professionally qualified transport specialist will be appointed to head the Transport Branch, established as an independent command in June, and provision has been made for improved staff support. The transport fleet continued to expand and now exceeds 1 700 vehicles, including 610 motorcycles. To assist commanders control major incidents and other large scale operations, the force took delivery of a new purpose-built mobile command vehicle, equipped with full conference and communications facilities.
Buildings and Development
To ensure the timely provision of resources which the force needs to meet its commitments, the Planning and Development Branch is responsible for collating and co-ordinating all forward planning. Continuing from last year, further revisions have been made to the five-year timetable, approved in 1981, for the construction of more than 40 new police buildings. Included in the programme are several district and divisional police stations, mostly associated with the development of new towns, as well as proposals to upgrade to district status the existing Chai Wan and Aberdeen Divisional Police Stations.
Three police stations, currently under construction at Tsim Sha Tsui, Sau Mau Ping and Hong Kong International Airport, are scheduled for completion towards the end of 1984. The programme to modernise older police stations continues, and plans involving the modernisation and improvement of a further 16 stations are in hand.
In line with force policy to provide adequate housing for all married junior officers, a further 400 quarters were purchased during the year. In addition, 500 married quarters are under construction by the government.
Work started to redevelop two recreational areas in Kowloon and on Hong Kong Island to provide enhanced facilities for police officers, civilian staff and their families.
Complaints Against Police Office
The Complaints Against Police Office (CAPO) monitors investigations into complaints made by members of the public against police officers. It investigates all complaints of serious misconduct and alleged criminal offences, except those involving corruption which