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Measures to stabilise the police force
Following is a question by the Hon David Li Kwok-po and a written reply by the Secretary for Security, Mr Peter Lai, in the Legislative Council today (Wednesday):
Question:
The Commissioner of Police admitted recently that the departure of many of his most senior officers before 1997 would hit the police force. Will the Government inform this Council what measures are being implemented to stabilise the police force in the run up to 1997?
Reply:
Mr President,
We are determined to maintain the Police Force as one of the finest in the world. It is the Force's declared policy, fully supported by the police staff associations, to encourage all officers to remain in service across 1997. The joint efforts of management and staff will continue in that direction.
Specifically, the following measures have been implemented to stabilise the Police Force in the run up to 1997:
(a)
(b)
(0)
The Joint Declaration is clear that police officers previously serving in the Hong Kong Government may continue to serve the future Special Administrative Region Government without any change in conditions of service.
To ensure that the Force will maintain an optimal staffing level, a Manpower Planning Survey was conducted in May 1995. During this exercise, all officers at the rank of Inspector and above were interviewed and encouraged to remain in service. The result is reassuring - 82% indicated that they would continue to serve beyond 1997. 11% were "undecided".
The Force has a sufficient pool of qualified officers at all levels for consideration for promotion. In the event that those undecided chose to leave, the vacancies arising can all be filled through normal promotions.