CONFIDENTIAL
Prior to my departure on 11th October, I had further useful discussions with Your Excellency at which you reviewed the competence of the Police Force and we sunnarised conclusions and agreed on the requirements of the Force.
My summary of comments and recommendations is appended:-
(1) Reorganisation of Command Structure
Arising from recommendations submitted by 0.A.G. in September and as a result of a meeting held in the Commonwealth Office on Thursday 21st September attended by Your Excellency, it has been agreed that the Command structure of the Force should be reorganised to provide for two Deputy Commissioners to act in support of the Commissioner.
For a Force of the size of the Hong Kong Police (authorised establishment 11,311) with formidable administrative and operational commitments, it is no longer practicable nor efficient to attempt to administer the Force and direct operations through one Deputy Commissioner. It has therefore been decided to appoint a second Deputy, the two Deputies' functional roles being Administration and Operations. This should not only provide greater flexibility of direction of police resources but also more cohesion and efficiency.
There will be consequential command reorganisation at support levels on both Administration and Operational wings which is under consideration by the Commissioner of Police and which will be submitted to Government in due course. Under present conditions in Hong Kong, the essence of this command reorganisation is speed and it is hoped that it will be effected with the minimum of delay. (2) Internal Security Competence of the Force
This is most impressive.
Mobilisation schemes ensure the maximum use of all Police effectives, both Regular and Auxiliary, and deployment is intelligent, flexible and ensures the best use of available manpower. The need to provide for reserves and for essential relief for operational forces by stand-down and rest periods has not been overlooked.
Morale and esprit de corps of officers, the Inspectorate and Rank and File appeared to be high. The balance of riot control weapons and offensive arnaments provide for maximum flexibility to meet all contingencies. Deficiencies in equipment are confined to Signals Branch where there is a need for more pack sets for Section Patrols and mobile sets for C.I.D. and Traffic Branches. These have been noted by the Commissioner of Police who will be naking submissions to Government in this respect.
It was suggested in discussion that enquiries be made as to the availability of riot control chemical agents other than those
/in use
CONFIDENTIAL
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Private notes are available after approval.