Police-1964-1965 — Page 52

223. The Auxiliary Police Force also provides an Air Observer Squadron. This Unit is closely integrated for training purposes with the Hong Kong Auxiliary Air Force and is responsible in an emergency for providing man- power for use in helicopters and Auster aircraft engaged in observation duties. 224. The Hong Kong Auxiliary Police Force thus fulfils an important role in the emergency structure of the Police. Its numbers and its duties are steadily increasing.

PART VII

WELFARE AND RECREATION

GENERAL

225. The Force Welfare Officer is responsible for advising on the welfare of the Rank and File and their families. He is in charge of the Welfare Section, a part of Police Headquarters, which deals with loans and grants, Police Schools, pensioners, assistance to police widows and orphans, welfare equip- ment, sports and other entertainments. Where necessary he advises and assists in the settlement of matrimonial disputes and gives other types of assistance.

POLICE WELFARE FUND

226. This fund is established under the Police Force Ordinance and is controlled by the Commissioner to provide loans and, in cases of special distress, grants for serving or retired police officers in need of assistance. The fund is also used to purchase equipment and services for the general welfare and advantage of police officers without charge to public revenue. The fund's sources of revenue are disciplinary fines or forfeits inflicted on Police Officers, the hire of Police Officers, and donations or voluntary contributions.

227. 787 applications for loans were processed during the year, and of these 686 were approved, 14 are still pending, and 106 were refused.

228. During the year, 24 serving personnel and Rank and File pensioners died. This includes 5 officers killed in the course of duty; 2 during the Lam Tsuen Valley shooting incident, 1 during Typhoon Ruby, 1 who was stabbed at Ngau Tau Kok Police Post and 1 Woman Corporal who was involved in a traffic accident.

229. 13 widows received a death benefit sum of $3,000 each from the fund. Grants and allowances were also given to cover the cost of hospital expenses and the provision of surgical appliances for members of the Rank and File and their dependants, and to Police victims of fire and typhoon damage. The Accounts of the Fund are at Appendix 22.

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