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It is the duty of police officers to ensure that prisoners/arrested persons do not escape from lawful custody, and that they will not harm themselves or others whilst in custody. It should be borne in mind that the escape of a prisoner/arrested person would very likely result in disciplinary action against the officer responsible for the prisoner/arrested person.
The Police have issued strict guidelines governing the use of the wrist restraints. The use of handcuff transport belts must be authorised by the Duty Officer at a police station or an officer of the rank of Sergeant or above. These are normally used for prisoners/arrested persons with a tendency to become violent or to attempt escape and thus require a high degree of security. In so far as the use of handcuffs is concerned, a police officer is expected to exercise his professional judgement on whether this is necessary.
Any abuse of police powers in this respect may be subject of a complaint to the Complaints Against Police Office which will then be thoroughly investigated. Disciplinary action may result if abuse of police powers could be established.
The existing guidelines governing the use of wrist restraints are considered adequate. We will, however, keep the matter under review.
End/Wednesday, April 19, 1995
Number of housing units produced
Following is a question by the Hon Frederick Fung Kin-kee and a written reply by the Secretary for Housing. Mr Dominic Wong, in the Legislative Council today (Wednesday):
Question:
The Housing Branch has indicated that 84,000 housing units will be produced each year from 1995-96 to 2000-01. In this connection, will the Government inform this Council of-
(a)
the respective numbers of public rental housing units, Home Ownership Scheme (HOS) flats, Private Sector Participation Scheme (PSPS) flats, Sandwich Class Housing (SCH) flats and private housing units to be produced on newly developed land annually during the above-mentioned period;