TNAG-2673-FCO40-3870-Hong-Kong-defence-issues-Internal-Security-Guide-(ISG)-1993 — Page 85

CONFIDENTIAL

PART II

STATUTORY POWERS AND AUTHORITY FOR SECURITY FORCES TO DEAL WITH MATTERS AFFECTING PUBLIC ORDER

4

Hong Kong law contains many provisions which relate to Government's authority in general, and the Police and other Security Forces in particular, to deal with numerous matters relating, either directly or indirectly, to public order. Many of these legal provisions are contained in statutes which are currently enacted and in force, although the more drastic provisions require either the authority of the Governor or of the Governor in Council.

EXISTING LEGISLATION

2.

Legal provisions currently in force range from specific provisions in regard to public order contained in ordinances such as the Public Order Ordinance, Cap. 245, the Crimes Ordinance, Cap 200, or emergency regulations enacted under the Emergency Regulations Ordinance, Cap. 241, to other statutes which may have application should Government wish to act either to prevent disorder or to restore public order. Examples of these general provisions are contained in ordinances such as the Societies Ordinance, Cap. 151, the Firearms and Ammunition Ordinance, Cap. 238, the Dangerous Goods Ordinance, Cap. 295, and the Police Force Ordinance, Cap. 232. A summary of extant powers and authority which may be applied in times of civil disorder is at the Annex.

EMERGENCY LEGISLATION

3.

Other provisions are contained in emergency legislation, some of which has been promulgated but which requires an order by the Governor in Council to bring it into force. Such legislation is enacted by virtue of the Emergency Regulations Ordinance, Cap. 241, which empowers the Governor in Council to make any regulations whatsoever

CONFIDENTIAL