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departmental task force in April to tackle the problem. It noted the adoption of a three-pronged approach by the task force, in collaboration with the Mainland authorities, to impose an effective and stringent application process for the issue of two-way permits and passports, to tighten up screening at Hong Kong immigration control points and to enhance enforcement.
In addition, the committee noted the considerable increase in criminal anti-social behaviour, including assaults on and verbal abuse of police officers while executing their duties, during the year. The Police Force has provided front-line officers with clear guidelines and enhanced training to handle these situations. It has also stepped up publicity and education to remind members of the public of their civic responsibilities. The committee considered that good law and order was important to Hong Kong's position as an international business centre, and was supportive of the Police Force's strategies in tackling the problem and would continue to closely. monitor the situation.
The committee noted the findings of the Customer Satisfaction Survey 2002 of various police services. As part of the Police Force's quality improvement strategy, the survey was conducted by the University of Hong Kong in October 2002 as the second survey within the four-year survey cycle from 1999 to 2002, which showed that members of the public having contacts with the police held a high opinion of the services rendered. The committee also noted that another survey on the effectiveness of the fight crime publicity campaign in 2001-02, commissioned by the Information Services Department, had found the campaign successful in soliciting public support in fighting crime.
On the rehabilitation of offenders, the committee was informed of the Correctional Services Department's plan for undertaking various publicity activities in 2003-04, targeting four community groups including students, the general public, employers and the individual district communities. The committee would continue to monitor the effectiveness of such activities.
District Fight Crime Committees (DFCCs) continue to play an important role in the fight against crime. These 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 combating crime and, in addition, launch district fight crime publicity campaigns with funding support from District Councils and other sponsorship. To reinforce the close link between the committee and the DFCCs, the FCC members took turns to attend DFCC meetings and functions.
Police Role in Combating SARS
The Police Force played an active role in the fight against SARS by seconding senior officers to the Health, Welfare and Food Bureau as members of the bureau's internal task force and the SARS Inter-Departmental Action Coordinating Committee. The force also worked closely with the Department of Health and other government departments in enforcing the Quarantine and Prevention of Disease Ordinance.
The Major Incident Investigation Disaster Support Section of the Police Force assisted the medical authorities in tracing SARS contacts by using computer technology. This assistance drew praise from Hong Kong's own medical and health authorities and also the World Health Organisation.