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company in the Western Sector and the Frontier Reserve company, both
working under operational control of the Police, should hand over to
FPD companies in April and October 1992 respectively.
76. CDS 13/89, however, noted that the Police recruitment programme
started a year later than planned, and since then because of recruiting difficulties, only 4 of the planned 6 FPD companies will
be formed. Nevertheless, it is at this stage assessed that the RHKP
should be able to assume responsibility for border control duties in
accordance with the stated timetable; if necessary by reallocating
resources from elsewhere. Serious concerns remain, however, about
the RHKP's ability to undertake all their new roles simultaneously,
and their morale and ability to recruit and retain in the longer term.
search,
77. In tandem with the expansion of the FPDs, other areas of the
Force, notably EOD, search, the Police Dog Unit and the Auxiliary
Police Force (APF) have also been increased. The APF, who on
operations have the prime responsibility for the security of civil
KPs, has not managed to recruit as rapidly as had been envisaged
either, and currently is approximately 10% under strength. Should
their recruiting problems increase, the Police may well have to
conduct a stringent revue of the APF's ability to guard civil KPS
within the Territory. This may impinge on the Garrison's operational
plans to guard KPs.
Withdrawal of Land Forces.
78. The Second Battalion. It has always been the intention that the
second battalion be withdrawn as soon as possible after completion of
the Police expansion plans, but "not before 1994"; thus allowing a
safety margin of at least one year between the takeover of the border commitment and the departure of the battalion. Since this withdrawal
must be subject to conditions of stability, security and the RHKP's
capabilities in terms of morale, recruiting and retention, it would
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