XN000022-1997-04-30 — Page 66

Reply:

45

Mr President,

(a)

(b)

(c)

The Security and Guarding Services Ordinance came into effect on 1 June 1995. The application period for security personnel permits commenced on 2 November 1995. As at the end of March 1997 -

(i)

(ii)

(iii)&(iv)

(v)

the total number of applicants is more than 61,000;

the number of applicants whose applications have been approved is more than 58,500. The number rejected is 33, while the other 3,000 cases are mostly awaiting further information or representation;

of the 565 applicants who have submitted representations to the Police, 351 have been successful; 33 rejected; and the remaining 181 cases are pending; and

24 applicants have appealed to Administrative Appeal Board. One appeal was allowed and a permit was granted to the applicant; 4 were dismissed; and 19 were withdrawn.

In the initial period of implementation, owing to an influx of more than 9,000 applications a month, coupled with the applications for watchman's permits under the Watchmen Ordinance which was still in force until 31 May 1996, the average time for processing a permit application is two to three months. However, having cleared the backlog of applications by the end of 1996, the situation has significantly improved. In the first quarter of 1997, the average time taken in processing a permit application has been shortened to 12-14 working days.

All rejected cases are 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 exercised necessary discretion in granting security personnel permits to deserving applicants.