Police-1959-1960 — Page 13

PART I

GENERAL REPORT AND SURVEY OF THE YEAR

INTRODUCTION

THE post-war progress and development of Hong Kong has continued and the year under review has shown no decline in the pace of develop- ment, nor any reduction of the pressure of a population now estimated to exceed 2,900,000. The Colony's urban areas are among the most densely populated in the world. Building development continuous apace, and industrial expansion and intensive commercial activity, partially stimulated by a further increase in Tourism, form the background against which the Police Force operates. Of necessity its organization and methods have to be constantly reviewed in order to keep pace with the ever increasing demands of this cosmopolitan community.

IMPORTANT PROBLEMS AFFECTING THE FORCE

2. Road congestion in the urban area is one of the principal problems facing the Police Force. During the year re-planning of traffic control has resulted in major improvements in the movement of vehicular traffic; but the long-term effects of such improvements are largely off-set by the annual increase in the number of new vehicles registered, which this year has exceeded all previous years.

3. A new approach to the problem of testing applicants for driving licences has resulted in a reduction in the 'waiting period' from as much as twelve months to six weeks.

4. Recruitment to the Rank and File gives cause for concern. Although there is a copious supply of applicants for vacancies, only a small fraction measure up to the physical and educational requirements, and in spite of the introduction of a new salary scale, not enough young men with suitable qualifications for enlistment as constables appear to be interested in a police career.

5. A similar problem exists with regard to the recruitment of local applicants for direct entry as Sub-Inspector, the majority falling short of the minimum educational standards required.

1