TNAG-2439-FCO40-3544-Hong-Kong-crime-1992 — Page 4

CONFIDENTIAL

XCCI(92)1

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Lectures are organised to warn school children of the dangers of triad association through the school liaison system. Guidance and counselling are given to students at risk. The Education Department issues a checklist periodically to schools to advise teachers on ways to identify and prevent delinquency. Teaching kits on anti-triad activities in schools have also been made available. Advertisements are regularly broadcast on television to encourage members of the public to report triad extortion.

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A Triad Renunciation Scheme was introduced in 1988 and concluded formally in 1991. This allowed triad members the opportunity to renounce formally their membership. A total of 779 persons did so. However, the scheme had only a limited impact.

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New legislation, (the Organized Crime Bill) is currently being examined in the light of public comments made in the three-month consultation period to see how the bill should be revised. The latter is scheduled to be introduced into the Legislative Council within this legislative session. The bill proposes that triad societies will, by definition, become organized crime groups, and heavier sentences will be introduced for crimes committed by persons associated with organised crime groups. The bill, when enacted, should provide effective measures to combat organised crime and be consistent with the Bill of Rights Ordinance.

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Enforcement action against triads has remained a Police priority. In late 1990, the Police Headquarters was restructured with the establishment of the Organised Crime and Triad Bureau. As a result, the Criminal Intelligence Bureau and Organised Crime and Triad Bureau work more closely in a combined initiative against triads. The Triad Research Unit is also housed under this Group to provide a research capability and expert witnesses on triad related matters.

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During the last decade, the Force has done much to combat the triad problem. The emphasis now is on targetting specific activities. In 1991, the Triad Targetting and Tasking Committee was established. This provides direction and impetus at Force policy level to identify problems, target personalities, ensure efficient use of resources and monitor the triad situation. In Police Regions, Anti-Triad Teams have been established to ensure enforcement action is maintained against triad syndicated activities at street level.