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Wednesday, October 18, 1972
NEW MEASURES ANNOUNCED TO COMBAT CRIME
Plans are under way to radically change the concept of the auxiliary
police from an emergency force to a permanent part-time constabulary to
help combat crime.
The Governor, Sir Murray MacLehose, told Legislative Council
today that the auxiliaries would still be available to give "the good service
But in normal times it was in an emergency that it has given in the past,"
proposed to deploy it in its new role on a neighbourhood basis, so that
men would go on the beat near the area in which they live, and which they know.
"In this way we hope that the auxiliaries will not only be a
standing citizen's volunteer army in the fight against crime, but will fora
an invaluable link between the inhabitants of their own neighbourhoods, and
the regular police force," he said.
The Governor said that legislation will soon be ready to provide for
substantial increases in the pay for the police auxiliaries and if this is
approved an immediate recruiting campaign will be launched.
Speaking at the opening of the 1972-73 session, Sir Murray said
the strongest deterrent to the criminal lies in an efficient, numerous
and visible police force in the streets, working in collaboration with a public
that gives it all the support in its power.
He said he was well aware of the Councillors' concern at the growth
of crime, and that their concern was well founded.
/Over the ........