PUBLIC ORDER
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On the mass media front, a series of television, radio and press advertisements was launched to motivate public support for the ICAC and to appeal for prompt reporting of corruption offences. Production of a television drama series based on actual ICAC cases was completed. Telecast is scheduled for early 1992. Past experience has shown that this type of television series is very effective in giving the public an insight into the ICAC's investigation work and increasing understanding of and faith in the organisation.
The department's latest addition to its anti-corruption teaching materials for schools was a package entitled Two-Plus-You, designed for primary pupils. A special feature of the package was that it involved not only teachers but also parents in the discussion of personal values with the children. So far the department has provided about 86 per cent of primary schools and 89 per cent of secondary schools with materials designed for curricula concerning the corruption problem and moral education.
International Co-operation
Co-operation with overseas law enforcement agencies is an essential part of the ICAC's activities. In June, the commissioner led an ICAC delegation to visit the Guangdong Provincial People's Procuratorate for a general exchange of views and experience. Throughout the year, there were about 20 other visits by ICAC officers to give talks to various Chinese organisations on the work of the ICAC.
In Hong Kong, the ICAC played host to 46 visitors from law enforcement agencies of various countries, including the United Kingdom, Australia and China. Among them was the Chief Procurator of the Shenzhen Special Economic Zone People's Procuratorate.
On the investigation side, the Operations Department sent its officers overseas on more than 60 occasions for specific enquiries into various cases.
Checks and Balances
To minimise the possibility of any abuse of power, the ICAC is subject to a stringent system of checks and balances. At the policy level the ICAC is guided by an Advisory Committee on Corruption which reviews and advises the commissioner on all aspects of anti-corruption policy, strategy and legislation. It is chaired by a member of the Executive Council, and comprises six prominent citizens and three government officials.
When an investigation is completed, decisions to prosecute are made independently by the Attorney General or his representatives. The courts alone decide on the guilt or innocence of the accused. If the Attorney General's decision is not to prosecute, then the results of the investigation are submitted for advice on what further action is necessary to the Operations Review Committee comprising four civic leaders appointed by the Governor and four senior officials.
Members of the public can lodge formal complaints against ICAC officers to an ICAC Complaints Committee comprising eight members, among whom are five members of the Executive and Legislative Councils, the Attorney General and the Commissioner for Administrative Complaints. In addition, the Operations Department has an internal investigation group which monitors and investigates corruption and the criminal behaviour of any ICAC officer.
Two other committees, the Citizens Advisory Committee on Community Relations and the Corruption Prevention Advisory Committee, review and advise on the work of the Community Relations Department and Corruption Prevention Department respectively.
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