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school at Perowne Barracks in Tuen Mun was set up to cater for the higher number of trainees.
The department provides specialist training to enhance investigation, prosecution and other techniques. As part of international co-operation, the department organises courses for officers from other Customs administrations. In 1997, 56 officers from the Mainland, Thailand, Singapore, South Korea and Macau attended courses in Hong Kong.
Electronic Data Interchange
Procedures for the submission of import and export declarations were streamlined during the year by the introduction of EDI. Traders can now submit their declarations through the EDI service provided by Tradelink Electronic Document Services Ltd., in which the government is a partner. The department's declaration counters in collection offices will be closed by April 2000 when submission of trade declarations by electronic means becomes compulsory.
Information Technology
Information technology plays an important part in the department's administrative and investigative functions. Three major computer systems were implemented during the year. A system for air cargo clearance at the new airport at Chek Lap Kok is under development. The system will be linked with air cargo operators for the transmission of cargo data and Customs clearance and restraint codes.
Work started on a replacement of the department's central computer system which contains a comprehensive data base to facilitate control processes and risk management and to improve intelligence and statistical analysis. A new computer system is being developed to support operations and controls at the land border to allow for increasing traffic flows and 24-hour operations at the border.
Performance Pledges
The department's fourth set of performance pledges was published, together with the department's vision, mission and value statements. These reinforce the department's commitment to quality service. To support better public accountability, the department regularly reviews the quality of its services with three customer liaison groups connected with air cargo, sea cargo and dutiable commodities.
Independent Commission Against Corruption
The Independent Commission Against Corruption (ICAC) is independent of the civil service; its Commissioner is directly responsible to the Chief Executive. The commission fights corruption through investigation, prevention and education.
Operations
The Operations Department receives and investigates reports of suspected corruption under the Prevention of Bribery Ordinance, election malpractices under the Corrupt and Illegal Practices Ordinance, and corruption-related offences under the ICAC Ordinance.