CHAPTER 16
Public Order
Committed to keeping Hong Kong safe and secure, the Disciplined Services comprise the Hong Kong Police Force, Correctional Services Department, Customs and Excise Department, Fire Services Department, Immigration Department and Government Flying Service. The regular emergency services are augmented by the Auxiliary Medical Service and the Civil Aid Service. These departments operate under the policy direction of the Security Bureau.
HONG KONG is one of the safest cities in the world. The overall crime rate, that is, the total number of crimes per 100 000 population, is lower than that of many other metropolitan cities. The overall law and order situation remained stable in 2003. The violent crime rate was the fourth lowest in the past 10 years, and the number of various serious crimes registered a significant drop. There was, however, an increase in the overall crime rate, by 16 per cent over 2002, primarily due to the increase in minor and opportunistic theft cases.
The Government has continued to participate actively in international cooperation in the fight against terrorism. The international situation and its impact on Hong Kong are closely monitored. While there is no intelligence suggesting that Hong Kong may be the target of a terrorist attack, all law enforcement units have remained vigilant to counter possible threats.
Fight Crime Committee
Chaired by the Chief Secretary for Administration, the Fight Crime Committee provides advice and recommends measures to prevent and reduce crime. It also coordinates crime-fighting efforts and monitors their results.
In 2003, the committee discussed a number of crime-related issues. It examined the data in significant areas of commercial crime, and noted that most commercial crimes committed in Hong Kong were small-scale, often involving habitual criminals. As a result of law enforcement action in 2001 and 2002, once prevalent frauds such as 'Loco-London gold', 'modelling agency' and 'pyramid scheme related fraud' were successfully contained at low levels.
With the relaxation of restrictions on Mainland residents visiting Hong Kong in recent years, the committee registered concern over crimes and illegal activities, including illegal employment, illegal gambling, prostitution and overstaying, committed by Mainland visitors. The committee welcomed the setting up of an inter-
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