During the year, a working group was appointed to study the whole problem afresh. Its interim report was en- couraging, but the results are now awaited of a com- preher postal survey before its final recommendations can be...ade.
In monitoring, analysing and evaluating trends, and projecting future needs in countering crime, clearly much of the effort is undertaken by the Force. However, other Government departments, together with representatives of the community, co-operate willingly.
For example, the Fight Violent Crime Committee, under the chairmanship of the Secretary for Home Affairs, com- prises members drawn from the Legislative Council, Government departments and the public. The Deputy Commissioner of Police and other senior officers attend an average of eight meetings a year. Members of the com- mittee freely exchange views and constructive approaches to problems are examined. As part of the ongoing anti- crime drive, 10 district Fight Violent Crime Committees have been formed. These local committees are attended by police representatives and have similar functions to the main body, though at local level.
A final illustration of the co-operation of members of the community is the formation of Mutual Aid Committees small groups of residents of housing estates or complexes who assume responsiblity for assisting the police in their efforts. A total of more than 2,500 such committees existed at the end of 1977, and they do an excellent job.
Structure of CID
The Department is commanded by a Senior Assistant Com- missioner as Director of Criminal Investigation. His deputy is a Chief Superintendent. The Director, in conjunction with the respective district commanders, is responsible for the co-ordination and efficiency of the CID as a whole, and advises the Commissioner on all matters relating to crime.
CID Headquarters is divided into four broad groups:
Special Operations
Homicide Bureau
Special Crimes Bureau
Triad Society Bureau
Criminal Intelligence Bureau
Commercial Crimes Bureau
Narcotics Bureau
Support Services
Criminal Records Bureau
Identification Bureau
Prevention of Crime Bureau
Detective Training Wing
Ballistics Office
In addition, the Support Wing has a liaison responsibility for the Forensic Pathology Laboratory and Forensic Chemical Laboratory, which are staffed by highly qualified pathologists and chemists.
With the exception of the Training Wing, all units are available to provide a service to the Force as a whole on a 24-hour basis, but in particular they both complement and support district and divisional CIDS.
In districts, CID formations fall under the direction of the district commander aided by a senior CID officer who commands CID formations at district headquarters and advises the commander. Units at district headquarters
comprise largely crime units which deal with serious and protracted investigations. Included is a criminal intelligence unit.
Ground action is directed by Superintendents in charge of divisions, and is an integral part of local operations. Each formation has investigation teams, crime squads, action teams and an intelligence section.
By the end of 1977 the overall strength of the CID had increased to about 3,000 all ranks, with several hundred civilian officers in support roles of one kind or another. Once all expansion plans have been approved and imple- mented, and provided Force recruitment remains at a satisfactory level, the Department will eventually reach a figure approaching 6,000. This target will take several years to achieve but, provided expansion continues steadily, the 4,000 plus level will be reached before the end of 1978. By that time the CID will absorb some 20 per cent of Force manpower, a proportion which is considered reasonable, and which compares favourably with forces elsewhere.
Special Operations Group
the
The Operations Group consists of four bureau Homicide Bureau, the Special Crimes Bureau, the Triad Society Bureau and the Criminal Intelligence Bureau.
Homicide Bureau
The Homicide Bureau is commanded by a Senior Super- intendent and is chartered to investigate all homicides in which it appears an enquiry of a difficult and protracted nature is likely to be needed.
In 1977 nine murders were investigated by the Bureau. Of these, five were brought to a successful conclusion, but simple statistics do not fairly reflect the effort involved in these lengthy and complex investigations.
In this field perhaps more than in any other there is a need for a high degree of specialisation, especially as the public has a right to be protected, and every homicide attracts a considerable degree of publicity. Failure to solve a particular murder may leave members of the public with a feeling of insecurity, and may possibly weaken their confidence in the Force. In view of this, during the year a case was made out to expand the Bureau so that it could handle all homicides which remain unsolved after 24 hours.
Special Crimes Bureau
This unit is commanded by a Superintendent. In March the charter of the squad was revised to include all robberies involving the use of genuine firearms, robberies and bur- glaries where property stolen is in excess of $250,000, and any other crimes of a special or unusual nature.
It is evident that the majority of crimes of this nature are the work of gangs as opposed to individuals – who are not averse to using extreme violence.
The Bureau's Intelligence Section is in the process of compiling a comprehensive index of information on crimes, personalities, modus operandi etc. in respect of certain groups, and the successes achieved by the unit have shown that this is a very practical approach to the problem.
In July, the establishment of the unit was increased from 32 police officers plus seven civilian supporting staff to 94 police officers and 17 civilian supporting staff; but it will take time to build the unit up to this level.
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