TNAG-2590-FCO40-3778-Internal-security-in-Hong-Kong-1992 — Page 7

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concerns.

There was initial unease on the part of the officers approached but they were subsequently given to understand that, in the interests of a smooth transition, the Administration encouraged such exchanges. Avenues for the cross-pollenation

of ideas and information with the Chinese are now being

developed.

14.

In

the Police Force, whose continuing effectiveness is

vital to the maintenance of public order, there has been a

significant

recruitment. Over the last three

improvement in

II

years low recruitment has been a matter of some concern, but in 1992 to date (end September), 1,261 Junior Police Officers have

been taken on.

This represents 82% of the target for the

period and compares well with the figures of 34% for 1990 and 59% for 1991. This change can be put down to the junior ranks' pay rise earlier in the year and also to the Force's improved image, resulting in no small part from an effective publicity drive during the summer which also served as a morale booster to

serving officers.

Significant arrests and seizures connected

with cross-border violent crime have also added lustre.

15.

In 1992 for the first time in three years, the number recruited has exceeded the number leaving, although

There is some

Force over the changes to be wrought in the

of officers

this exodus is still a cause for

anxiety within the

concern.

This will be a

wake of the current review of Police Establishment but one

important result is expected to be the availability of more

disciplined officers for enforcement duties. welcome development, coinciding with the assumption this year by the Police Force of responsibility for manning the full length

of the border with China.

16.

A

severe

fall in Police morale, allied to staff

difficulties would have а significantly detrimental effect on public confidence in Hong Kong. However, morale is undoubtedly higher than last year and the Force is fully capable of handling. all realistic threats. There is no reason to believe that this

will not continue to be the case.

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