PUBLIC ORDER
292
To promote home ownership amongst JPOs, a pilot scheme was launched in late 1998 under which an additional 218 Home Ownership Scheme flats were made available for allocation to members of the Force.
Hong Kong Auxiliary Police Force
The Hong Kong Auxiliary Police Force (HKAPF) comprises volunteers from all walks of life and has a proud history dating from its establishment in 1914. At the end of the year, its strength stood at 5 454.
Traditionally, the main function of the auxiliary force was to provide a trained manpower reserve in internal security situations and civil emergencies. It also took part in crowd management at festivals and large scale public events. In the early 1970s, public disquiet at a deteriorating crime situation and difficulties in maintaining the regular force's strength led to an expanded role for the HKAPF in supplementing regular officers in 'watch and ward' duties. These include crime prevention, crowd control, traffic control, operational duties, communication and community relations. The average daily turnout of the auxiliary force for 1998 was 538 officers.
Independent Police Complaints Council
The main function of the Independent Police Complaints Council (IPCC) is to monitor and review investigations by the CAPO of public complaints against the force. The IPCC is an independent committee whose members are appointed by the Chief Executive. It comprises a chairman, three vice-chairmen and not fewer than eight other members, with the Ombudsman, or his representative, serving as an ex- officio member.
During the year, the IPCC endorsed the findings of 2 586 complaint investigations. After relocating to bigger and better-equipped office accommodation in March 1998, the IPCC opened up part of its meetings to the public. To reaffirm its commitment to better serving the community, the IPCC also announced its new Vision, Mission and Values Statement and Performance Pledges. A three-year publicity programme that began in 1997/98 continued in full swing. It included the launching of an 'announcement of public interest' on the council's work on television and radio, seminars for district representatives, talks for university students on the police complaints system and a Chinese slogan competition.
Customs and Excise
The Customs and Excise Department is responsible for the collection and protection of revenue on dutiable commodities, the suppression of illicit trafficking in narcotics, the prevention and detection of smuggling, and the protection of intellectual property rights. It has an establishment of 5 188.
The department enforces legislation to safeguard the integrity of Hong Kong's trade (see also Chapter 6).
Revenue Collection
The department collects revenue on four categories of dutiable commodities: liquors, tobacco, hydrocarbon oil and methyl alcohol. In 1998, $7.91 billion, representing a decrease of 9.6 per cent over 1997, was collected.