Police-1965-1966 — Page 53

HONG KONG AUXILIARY POLICE FORCE

200. The Hong Kong Police Force has had an active auxiliary ele- ment since 1914, when the Hong Kong Police Reserve was first formed. A second body of part-time police officers, the Special Constabulary, was formed in 1941 and again in 1949, when conscription was intro- duced. The 2 units were amalgamated to form the present Hong Kong Auxiliary Police Force in 1959.

201. The role of the Auxiliary Police is to support the regular Force on a day to day basis and in times of emergency. To achieve this end, the organization of the Auxiliary Force is based on the same structure as the Regular Force. Each of the 4 Hong Kong Island Divisions and the 6 Kowloon Divisions has an auxiliary contingent. In addition, the Auxiliary Police provide one Emergency Unit, an Escort Company and a Communications Unit in both Hong Kong Island and Kowloon Districts.

202. Specialist units of the Auxiliary Police include the Marine Division, the members of which are trained to take over harbour patrol boats and sea-going cruising launches, and the Air Observer Squadron, the members of which fly as observers in the helicopters and Auster aircraft of the Hong Kong Auxiliary Air Force. Adminis- trative units of the Force consist of a pay section, instructional staff and Headquarters Staff Officer groups.

203. The establishment of the force was increased from 2,277 to 2,437 in February 1966, to provide for the new Kwun Tong Division. Successful recruiting drives throughout the year raised the strength from 1,740 on 1st April, 1965 to 2,201 on 31st March, 1966.

204. Command of the Hong Kong Auxiliary Police Force is vested in the Commissioner of Police. A Headquarter Unit of regular police officers is responsible to the Commissioner for all matters regarding the training, administration and expansion policies of the Force. At the same time, the Force operates on a day to day basis under its own cadre of Auxiliary Police officers, who are responsible for the implementation of policies originating from Auxiliary Headquarters.

205. During the year, 2 members of the Force were awarded the Colonial Police Medal for Meritorious Service and 54 members were awarded the Colonial Special Constabulary Medal, or Clasp, for Long Service. In addition, 2 Commissioner's Commendations were awarded to members of the Force who effected successful arrests of criminals.

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