XN000022-1976-02-11 — Page 12

WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 11, 1976

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MAC'S ENCOURAGED TO ORGANISE PATROLS

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THE GOVERNMENT'S POLICY ON NEIGHBOURHOOD PATROL UNITS IS TO ENCOURAGE MAC'S TO DEVELOP PATROLS AT THEIR OWN PACE WHILE AT THE SAME TIME PROVIDING SUPERVISION AND TRAINING, THE SECRETARY FOR SECURITY, THE HON. LEWIS DAVIS, SAID IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY.

IN REPLY TO A QUESTION FROM THE HON. HILTON CHEONG-LEEN, MR. DAVIS SAID: THE GOVERNMENT RECOGNISES THE POSITIVE AND USEFUL ROLE PLAYED BY NEIGHBOURHOOD SECURITY PATROLS OPERATED BY MUTUAL AID COMMITTEES IN THE FIGHT AGAINST CRIME. TO PLAY THEIR PART THESE PATROLS REQUIRE TO BE WELL DISCIPLINED AND SOUNDLY ORGANISED. TO THIS END THE PATROLS ARE REGISTERED WITH CITY DISTRICT OFFICES AND MAINTAIN RECORDS ON LINES ADVISED BY THE POLICE,

*THE POLICE AND THEIR COMMUNITY RELATIONS OFFICERS AND CITY DISTRICT OFFICERS MAINTAIN CONTACT WITH THE PATROLS AND OFFER ADVICE, TRAINING AND SUPERVISION. THE HOME AFFAIRS DEPARTMENT RUNS COURSES AIMED AT INSTRUCTING MAC AND PATROL MEMBERS IN THE PREVENTION OF CRIME AND THE ADMINISTRATION AND ENFORCEMENT OF THE LAW.

HE DISCLOSED THAT THERE WERE 155 SUCH PATROLS WHICH CONFINED THEMSELVES MAINLY TO PATROLLING IN MULTI-STOREY BUILDINGS, GENERALLY IN THE INTERNAL CORRIDORS AND STAIRCASES.

THEY PROVIDED A DETERRENT, PARTICULARLY DURING THEIR MAIN HOURS OF OPERATIONS AT NIGHT, AND THEY ALSO HELPED TO MAKE ARRESTS AND APPREHEND SUSPECTS, HE SAID.