PUBLIC ORDER
310
An inter-departmental working group, comprising representatives from the Security Bureau, Information Technology and Broadcasting Bureau, Department of Justice, law enforcement agencies and related departments, had been set up to examine existing legislation relating to computer-related crimes. The committee had considered the working group's recommendations and tendered its advice.
The committee was concerned about juvenile and youth crime. The Social Welfare Department has been requested to submit regular reports on action taken to tackle the problem. The committee also suggested that the department should review the provision of youth services and refocus resources by targeting districts that had more problems than others.
On the regulation of debt collection, the committee discussed a consultation paper issued by the Law Reform Commission. The merits and demerits of various options, including the licensing of debt collection agencies, were considered.
The committee noted the public concern at the adverse effect the highlighting of sex and violence in the mass media had on young people. It discussed the proposals set out in the consultation paper on the review of the Control of Obscene and Indecent Articles Ordinance, and agreed that a review was needed to ensure that the regulatory regime was able to meet present-day needs.
District Fight Crime Committees continue to play an important role in the fight against crime. The committees monitor the crime situation in districts and reflect community concerns on law and order issues. They help foster community awareness regarding crime prevention and encourage community participation in fighting crime. They continue to launch district fight crime publicity campaigns with funding support from District Councils and other sponsorship. Some of them also conducted studies and surveys on local crime problems.
In December, all District Fight Crime Committee members participated in the Fight Crime Conference organised by the committee. The theme, Participation in the New Millennium for Fighting Crime, stressed the importance of concerted efforts in the fight against crime in the 21st century. Apart from enhancing their communication with the Fight Crime Committee, the forum provided an opportunity for members to get together to discuss crime problems and ways to combat them.
Police Force
The Hong Kong Police Force has operational responsibilities for protecting the public, preventing and detecting crime, maintaining law and order, reducing traffic accidents and maintaining smooth traffic flows and detecting illegal immigration.
The Police Force has an establishment of about 28 600 police officers, supported by 6000 civilian staff and reinforced by 4 500 citizen volunteers serving in the Hong Kong Auxiliary Police Force.
During the year, the Police Force continued to reinforce its partnership with the community in the fight against crime. Some 13 000 community involvement projects. were organised to enhance public awareness of the importance of fighting crime, crime prevention and road safety. These projects were well received by the public and attended by over 700 000 people.
Apart from fighting crime, the Police Force plays a vital role in many other operational areas including anti-illegal immigration duties, security assurance, and