XN000022-1972-10-18 — Page 9

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Wednesday, October 18, 1972

Over the past four years key crime had increased by 40 per cent

murder, manslaughter, serious assaults and robbery

and violent crimes

by 135 per cent

-

and that the proportion of young people committing

these crimes had steadily increased.

Sir Murray said that the Royal Hong Kong Police Force is one

of the finest in the world, but it is at present well under strength.

"It is obviously essential that every man available should be

on the beat," he said.

The Commissioner of Police has undertaken a far-reaching review

to devise means of releasing trained policemen from work which could

just as well be done by civilians, so that police officers can spend

their time on law enforcement. This should soon show results, he added.

With regard to punishment, the Governor said that two major

changes have been introduced. The first is the right of the crown to

appeal to the Supreme Court against sentences it considers inadequate.

The second is the establishment, in response to the Chief Justice's

proposal, of a Detention Centre for young people. This new form of punishment

for young offenders has been designed to be short but rather sharp.

Sir Murray also mentioned that a police school to provide two

years training for 600 young people in the 16 to 18 age group intending

to enter the Force would be shortly set up.

/However,