XN000022-1996-05-08 — Page 60

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Since the commencement of the application period on 2 November 1995, 12,012 persons have applied for the new security personnel permits and 2,595 permits have been issued. We expect to complete processing the rest of applications in about 3 months' time.

A total of 43 applications for security personnel permits have been rejected. All were rejected on the grounds of past criminal record. These include conviction for dangerous drugs offences, burglary, violent and sexual offences. However, not all applicants with past criminal record are rejected. Having considered the nature of the offence and the age of the applicant at the time of conviction, the Police Licensing Office have granted security personnel permits to a total of 50 applicants with past criminal record.

Since November 1995, a comprehensive publicity campaign has been launched. This includes sending over 10,000 appeal letters to office- bearers of Mutual Aid Committees (MACs)/Owners Corporations (OCs) and security and property management companies, organising over 30 seminars/briefings for MACs/OCs, District Fight Crime Committees and District Boards, meeting with trade unions, production of radio Announcement of Public Interests (APIs) and RTHK television programmes as well as provision of hot line enquiry services. These publicity efforts have been stepped up recently through the release of a TV API, increased broadcasting frequency of the radio API, and large scale briefings and seminars to urge prospective applicants to apply as soon as possible.

Additional manpower and supporting resources have already been provided to the Police Licensing Office to process applications for security personnel permits. We will consider, if necessary, increasing the manpower to cope with the anticipated rush of applications before the deadline.

The security personnel permit criteria were determined by an independent Security and Guarding Services Industry Authority and approved by the Legislative Council on 26 July 1995. We will review them in the light of operational experience after the full implementation of the Ordinance on 1 June 1996.

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