PUBLIC ORDER
The committee examined the findings of a review of the Police Superintendents' Discretion Scheme, conducted by an interdepartmental working group under the chair- manship of the Solicitor General. Under the scheme, police officers of the rank of superintendent and above are authorised by the Attorney General to caution, rather than prosecute, young offenders in appropriate cases. The committee endorsed the recommenda- tions of the working group in September.
Major recommendations to improve the scheme include raising the age limit of young offenders accepted under the scheme from 17 to 18; allowing an offender with a previous caution to receive a second, or subsequent, caution; and enhancing support and assistance to the offenders covered by the scheme and their families through improved liaison among the police, Social Welfare Department and Education Department. The recommendations will be implemented as soon as possible.
The committee has devoted much of its attention to the problem of juvenile crime. A sub- committee of the Fight Crime Committee commissioned, in September 1992, the research team of the Social Science Research Centre of the University of Hong Kong to conduct a study into the social causes of juvenile crime. The research team completed all major field work during the year and it is expected that the research study will be completed in early 1995.
The Young Offenders Assessment Panel continued to provide advice to the courts on the rehabilitation programmes most likely to reform juveniles and young people. A special Outward Bound course was also arranged for inmates of Correctional Services Department facilities.
District Fight Crime Committees continued to play an important role. They monitored the crime situation in their districts, and helped foster both community awareness of the need to prevent crime and community participation in combating crime.
Members of all 19 District Fight Crime Committees took part in the 1994 Fight Crime Conference in November. The conference provided an opportunity to reinforce the link between the committee and the district committees and to exchange views on crime-related matters. Major issues discussed included public support for law enforcement, juvenile crime, multi-agency approaches to tackle crime, corruption, witness reassurance and organised and serious crimes.
Police Force
The Royal Hong Kong Police celebrated its 150th anniversary during the year. Celebrations held throughout the year included special parades, a tattoo and a visit by the Honorary Commandant-General, Her Royal Highness Princess Alexandra. Formally established on May 1, 1844, the Police Force is one of the oldest police bodies in the world. Today, the Force has an establishment of approximately 27 000 police officers, backed by some 5 800 civilian staff. Police operations in Hong Kong are reinforced by some 5 700 volunteer citizens of the Royal Hong Kong Auxiliary Police Force.
Increasing co-operation with security forces in China has led to a sharp reduction in cross- border crimes and the elimination of major armed gangs with mainland connections. A considerable decrease was recorded in the number of cars stolen for sale in China, although an upsurge in the latter part of the year raised concerns that new syndicates were testing the market.
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