Police-1966-1967 — Page 9

PART I

GENERAL REPORT AND SURVEY OF THE YEAR

INTRODUCTION

THE expressions of public approval, both in Hong Kong and abroad, for the conduct of the police during the difficult period when this report was being compiled might seem to weaken the force of a statement in the report of the Commission of Inquiry into the Kowloon disturbances of April, 1966, that more needs to be done to improve police/public relations. This unfortunately is not so. When the basic system of law and order in Hong Kong is threatened the great majority of the public have demonstrated their solidarity with the forces of law and order and have given their support for firm and moderate action to repulse threats of this kind. With a return to more normal conditions however we may expect to hear again complaints and criticism freely expressed.

2. Much of the criticism of the police, in other countries no less than in Hong Kong, arises from the action the police must take in their day to day duties to restrict the activities of individuals where these conflict with the interests of the community as a whole. This is particularly true in the circumstances of Hong Kong with its dense population and highly competitive community. The problems of hawkers and motorists have been cited as examples in this context before. Each in their own way have an important place in the community but activities of either group of individuals, if not controlled, could reduce urban communications to chaos. Inevitably some dissatisfaction is generated amongst individuals as a result of the exercise of this control. As long as the police are respon- sible for dealing with a wide range of minor infringements of the law on a large scale-not least those pertaining to hawkers and motorists- the occasions for misunderstanding will arise and be reflected to some extent in public attitudes. The task of obtaining fuller co-operation from the public in carrying out the primary role of the police which is to sup- press serious crime and maintain law and order, will be no easier.

-SO

3. The Committee of Inquiry drew attention to the 'comparable absence of a decentralized administration . . . and slow growth of an effective system of leadership at local level which has thrown a heavy

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