Police-1959-1960 — Page 15

Force Catering Officer and Force Training Officer, which have been filled by officers recruited from the United Kingdom.

11. The year also saw the implementation of many of the recom- mendations of the Salaries Commission which began its deliberations in February 1959. In general, all ranks and grades within the Force have benefited from increased salaries, but with the incorporation into basic salaries of a cost-of-living allowance at the rate formerly enjoyed only by married men with dependent children, the benefits have been felt mainly by the single men. Married officers living in rank and file married quarters have, however, benefited from reduced rents.

12. As pensions are computed on basic salaries, the incorporation of cost of living allowance in basic salaries will provide increased pension benefits to all ranks, regardless of marital status.

13. Increased technician allowances have been welcomed and should result in improved technical efficiency.

REORGANIZATION OF THE FORCE

14. Further reorganization of Force communications was carried out during the year. Work on the decentralization of the '999' radio control network to District levels was nearing completion at the end of the year and the first of two radio repeater stations was handed over to the Force in February 1960 for the installation of technical equipment.

15. A major step in the reorganization of Traffic Branch was necessitated by the overwhelming increase in the number of applicants for driving licences. This reorganization resulted in the replacement of Police driving test examiners by civilians and the introduction of a new driving test procedure.

IMPORTANT NEW LEGISLATION

16. The following legislation of particular interest to the Police was introduced during the year:

(a) The Police Force (Amendment) Ordinance, 1959. Under the provisions of this Ordinance it is now a punishable offence for any person knowingly to make a false report or to mislead police officers by giving false information of the commission of any offence.

(b) The Hong Kong Auxiliary Police Force (Amendment) Ordinance, 1959. Following the enactment last year of the Hong Kong Auxiliary Police Force Ordinance, 1959 which amalgamated into

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