PUBLIC ORDER
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One ugly incident did occur during a slow-drive protest along Nathan Road, when gangs of youths and known bad characters attempted to dominate an otherwise peaceful protest. The situation deteriorated into a minor disturbance in which the Police Tactical Unit used tear smoke to disperse crowds. Thirty-eight people were arrested for a variety of offences and 14 were subsequently charged.
The continued influx of Vietnamese boat people (VBP) required a major commitment of resources by the police. In addition to providing an effective Marine Police screen, under- taking escorts for VBP movements and dealing with incidents in the various detention centres, the Police Force was called upon to run a number of the camps and now manage or guard four detention centres requiring a daily deployment of 643 officers.
One of the most serious disturbances involving VBP occurred in August on Tai A Chau which was introduced as a forward reception centre at the end of May. This resulted in police evacuating the island temporarily when an angry mob of some 1000 Vietnamese attacked about 50 unarmed police officers resulting in 23 injuries to police personnel. Two Police Tactical Unit companies and other Marine Police elements regained control of the island the following day in a swiftly-mounted air and sea operation.
A tented VBP detention centre at Sek Kong, also managed by the police, was another scene of violent fighting between North and South Vietnamese on several occasions.
With regard to illegal immigration from China, the policy changes introduced by the Hong Kong Government in mid-1988 had a deterrent effect and the number of illegals - intercepted by security forces during 1989 decreased. Action against illegal immigration was maintained with greater emphasis being placed on the employment of illegal im- migrants by local employers.
In November, the force was heavily committed to security arrangements, and crowd and traffic control for the visit to Hong Kong by Their Royal Highnesses Prince Charles and Princess Diana.
In December, Deputy Commissioner of Police Mr Li Kwan-ha became the first Chinese officer appointed to head the force following the departure on retirement of Mr Raymon Anning.
Crime
The overall crime rate increased by 3.3 per cent in 1989, with 81 808 cases reported to police compared with 79 184 the previous year. Due to revision of the counting rules, the 1988 figures for reported crime (79 859) and overall detection (46.5 per cent) have been amended. Violent crime continued to rise and a total of 17 721 cases were recorded, an increase of 12.7 per cent over 1988. There were 6 480 crimes committed by juveniles, a rise of 734 cases compared with the previous year.
The overall detection rate was 47.9 per cent, against 46.9 per cent in 1988.
A total of 43 684 people were arrested for criminal acts, an increase of 2 090 persons over 1988. Of the total number of persons arrested, 40 772 were prosecuted and the remainder were cautioned and discharged under the Superintendent Discretion Scheme (SDS).
Organised and Serious Crime
The Organised and Serious Crimes Group continued its operations against armed robbery gangs, triad societies and organised crime syndicates. During the year, five armed robbery gangs were arrested resulting in the seizure of 11 firearms, one hand grenade and the recovery of stolen jewellery valued at $3.4 million. Another investigation into a robbery of valuable antiques was successful with the arrest of five persons and the recovery of stolen
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