XN000022-1995-07-12 — Page 87

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Police procedure on open fire

Following is a question by Dr the Hon Conrad Lam and a written reply by the acting Secretary for Security, Mr Kenneth Woodhouse, in the Legislative Council today (Wednesday):

Question:

ני

Regarding the jury's return of a verdict of death by misadventure of a Korean hostage killed by a police officer in the shootout between the police and a gunman at Shum Wan, will the Government inform this Council:

(a)

(b)

(c)

e

whether the police officers concerned had followed the normal procedure in the handling of the above-mentioned incident; if so, why the hostage was shot dead by the police; if not, what was the cause of the

error;

why the police was unable to identify the person who handcuffed the two persons killed in the incident; and whether the police will pursue the matter further; if not, why not; and

what measures the police will adopt to prevent the recurrence of similar mishaps?

Reply:

Mr President,

As regards part (a) of the question, internal investigations are underway in relation to the actions of the police officers involved in this case. The evidence presented at the recent Death Inquest will be taken into consideration by the investigating officers. It is too early to say whether any police officers are at fault or have breached police procedures.

As regards part (b) of the question, the purpose of the Death Inquest was to inquire into the cause and circumstances surrounding the death of the gunman and the Korean hostage; but not to investigate each and every detail of the incident. The question as to who handcuffed the two persons killed will be considered in any legal or disciplinary proceedings which might take place.