TNAG-0688-FCO40-837-Disturbances-by-police-in-Hong-Kong-1977 — Page 36

Foreign and Commonwealth Office

London SW1A 2AH

Commissioner of Police Royal Hong Kong Police HQ

Arsenal Street

HONG KONG

Telephone 01-

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HKCK 382/10

RIXNE

- 8 DEC 1977

DESK OFF"

Your referenqe

གར་་

---Our reference

Date

8/12 4

KOPA 10

6 December 1977

SUSPENSION PROCEDURES

YOUR TELNO 1219 OF 2 DECEMBER

UK procedures have been modified in recent years and suspension (interdiction) is designed to remove an officer from the performance of police duties or the exercise of police powers; hence the surren- der of his uniform and warrant card.

(i)

(

Suspension is on full pay with certain allowances such as rent assistance but not payments for overtime.

(ii) Suspended officers are allowed access under supervision

to police stations if necessary for their defence or to interview their own witnesses. They would not be allowed to destroy evidence or suborn witnesses.

(iii) Access to police clubs would not be prohibited but the

individual would not be eligible to represent his Force in athletic competitions, swimming or football matches. Any special needs of his wife or family could be con- sidered on compassionate grounds by the Police Welfare Branch.

(iv)

(v)

Assistance and advice is normally provided through the appropriate Association. For constables to Chief Inspectors The Police Federation. For Superintendents and Chief Superintendents The Superintendent Associa- tion. For Chief Officers. their deputies and Assistant Chief Constables, (and in London, Commanders) - the Association of Chief Police Officers.

Apart from the Associations mentioned in (iv) above, Divisional or Force subscriptions on behalf of suspended officers would not be authorised, but doubtless there have been occasions in the UK when unofficial collections have been made on behalf of an officer to assist him in his defence or to help his family.