CONFIDENTIAL
CRIME AND CORRUPTION
Crime
1. There was a large rise in the crime rate in Hong Kong in Hong Kong in 1974. In particular there was a large increase in crimes of violence although homicides were down from 118 to 103. The detection rate has declined slightly from 46.9% in 1973 to 45.4% in 1974.
2. Over the last year the Government has taken several measures which it is hoped will prove successful in containing and reducing the crime rate. A new Commissioner and Deputy Commissioner of Police were appointed in 1974 and a major reorganisation of the Police Force, particularly of the Criminal Investigations Department, took place. Recruitment was stepped up with the aim of improving both the quality and the strength of the force. Legislation has been strengthened imposing tougher penalties for those convicted of certain serious crimes.
Corruption
3. The ICAC has in its first year of operation, made a successful start. It has received a fair measure of support by the general public after a somewhat cynical reception when the ICAC was first formed. There is now, we believe, some criticism in the Hong Kong public service of premature publicity being given to matters under preliminary investigation which carries with it a danger of unjust defamation of character which has obvious implications for staff
morale.
4. As at 14 February the ICAC had made a total of 127 prosecutions, 77 of these prosecutions were successful and there have been 23 acquittas 27 cases were still pending. There are plans substantially to increase the Commission's complement during 1975.
5. The progress made by the ICAC is being carefully monitored by critics of the Hong Kong Government and there is still some pressure for HMG to appoint a Royal Commission from the UK. Nonetheless the
ICAC approach continues, in our view, to be the best in present circumstances.
Hong Kong & Indian Ocean Department
7 April, 1975.
CONFIDENTIAL
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