PUBLIC ORDER
282
Other projects under review included a proposed development of the management functions of the driver cadre to regions, and a proposed study of the beat patrol system.
Inspection Services Wing
Regular Force inspections to ensure effective and efficient operations and administration, which resumed in April 1992, were suspended in June 1993, to concentrate resources on a major management, manning and command structure study of the Force as a whole. A total of 20 inspections were conducted during this fourth cycle inspection period.
Police Licensing Office
The Commissioner of Police, through the Police Licensing Office, is the Licensing Authority for various licences and permits. As the Societies Officer, he also accepts notification of the establishment of local societies.
In 1993, 709 societies notified the Societies Officer of their establishment and 381 societies were dissolved. At the year's end, a total of 6 127 societies had provided notifica- tion of their establishment.
An average of 2 153 people applied for registration as watchmen each month. In 1993, 21 158 watchmen were registered, of whom 1 173 were licensed to carry firearms. At the end of 1993, a total of 134 810 watchmen were registered.
A total of 1669 persons were licensed to possess arms for competition or target shooting, while 178 persons applied for arms licences.
At the end of the year, 1 026 notifications of public meetings were processed. A further 290 licences for public processions, 1 297 permits for the use of loudspeakers and 768 lion dance permits were issued.
A total of 27 applications for massage establishment licences, 40 applications for auctioneer licences, nine applications for marine store dealer licences, four applications for pawnbroker licences and 53 applications for temporary liquor licences were processed during the year.
Police Dog Unit
The Police Dog Unit located at Ping Shan in Yuen Long recorded an establishment of 104 dogs, including labradors and springer spaniels, trained to patrol, track and detect dangerous drugs and explosives. The unit ran a variety of training courses, and the successful handlers and dogs were deployed throughout Hong Kong. Numerous demons- trations were also performed for social and charity activities.
Complaints Against Police
The Complaints Against Police Office investigates all complaints from the public con- cerning the conduct and behaviour of members of the Police Force, including civilian staff and auxiliary police officers. The investigation of the complaints is monitored by the independent Police Complaints Committee.
In 1993, 3374 complaints were received, an increase of 145 cases or 4.5 per cent over 1992. Over 97.7 per cent of complaints were made by persons either involved with or subjected to constabulary action. Complaints of assault, neglect of duty and conduct/ manner made up the majority of cases, comprising 79.7 per cent of total complaints. Investigations into 3 520 cases were completed, with 100 cases or 2.8 per cent substantiated