PUBLIC ORDER
Some members of the public regard the ICAC as a conduit for general grievances against various government departments. During the year under review, the ICAC received 2 443 non-corruption complaints, 1 243 of which were subsequently referred to the government departments concerned.
Operations
The Operations Department receives and investigates reports of suspected corruption offences under the Prevention of Bribery Ordinance and the ICAC Ordinance, and deals with election malpractices under the Corrupt and Illegal Practices Ordinance.
In 1993, the department received 3 284 reports, of which 2 244 contained sufficient information for investigations to commence. The department's caseload was at an all time high of 1 375 at the year's end. Altogether, 643 persons were prosecuted, and 61 cautioned for lesser breaches of the law.
To strengthen the department's ability to investigate corruption, the government will provide additional resources for the ICAC to set up another investigation group, with nearly 40 officers, in 1994.
The department continues to closely monitor the effects of the Bill of Rights Ordinance on ICAC-related legislation, to ensure that the ICAC can effectively maintain its capability to investigate corruption and that its legislation remains compatible with that ordinance.
Video-recording of interviews with suspects continued to play an important role in the department's investigations and is now a standard practice, providing evidence of a high quality.
Computerisation has also significantly aided investigations, particularly in highly complex cases.
Corruption Prevention
The Corruption Prevention Department identifies and eliminates opportunities for corruption in government, public bodies and organisations receiving government subvention. It also provides free and confidential corruption prevention advice to private sector organisations upon request.
The work of the department consists of studies of new subject areas, the review or 'monitoring' of previous studies and giving corruption prevention advice through consultation and participation in a wide variety of committees and working groups. In 1993, the department conducted 102 studies of specific activities covering policy, law, procedures and management controls.
During the year, the department assisted the Urban Services Department in tightening the procedures for hawker control, and also gave assistance to the Provisional Airport Authority in setting up a purchasing system. The customs cargo-processing procedures at the border were strengthened to assist detection and prevent corrupt collusion with cross- border smugglers.
To ensure that equitable compensation packages are offered to owners and tenants affected by urban renewal projects, the department reviewed the compensation policy and procedures of the Land Development Corporation. The department also took part in a review of the public housing decoration contractors system, with a view to allowing rental estate tenants a larger choice in their selection of decorators and give the Housing Department greater control over unscrupulous decorators.
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