Police-1967-1968 — Page 49

Nevertheless driving instruction was given to 292 members of the Force during the course of the year.

HONG KONG AUXILIARY POLICE FORCE

173. The Auxiliary Police Force assists and augments the regular Force both in the discharge of routine duties and in times of emergency. Enrolment in the Force is on a voluntary basis, and, following a 60 hour basic training course in law, drill and musketry, members are there- after expected to perform a minimum of 8 hours a month and 14 days a year on Police duties and training.

174. The Force is commanded by the Commissioner, and Auxiliary Police Headquarters is staffed by regular police officers. The Senior Auxiliary Officer is the Commandant, who holds the rank of Senior Assistant Commissioner. Each Police Division and Emergency Unit in the urban area has an Auxiliary counterpart. During 1967-68 a new Auxiliary Division was formed at Tsuen Wan; and plans have been made for the establishment of a further Auxiliary Division in Yuen Long, where there was an enthusiastic response to a recruiting drive.

175. The establishment of the Auxiliary Police on 1st March, 1968 was 3,002 and the strength 2,857.

176. Specialist Auxiliary Units include the Air Observer Squadron which supplies qualified observers for aircraft of the Hong Kong Auxiliary Air Force. The Hong Kong Auxiliary Air Force and the Air Observer Squadron gave very valuable service in a reconnaisance role in support of Police operations during the period of the disturbances. Members of the Marine Division are trained to take charge of Police harbour and sector launches. Auxiliaries also supply Staff Officers at both Colony and District Police Headquarters; and there are 75 women Auxiliary Police officers who carry out communication duties in District and Divisional Control Rooms.

177. During the year one officer was awarded the Queen's Police Medal for Distinguished Service, ten officers were awarded the Colonial Police Medal for Meritorious Service, and twenty-four officers received the Colonial Special Constabulary Medal for long service. The Com- mandant's commendation, which is the equivalent of a Commanding Officer's commendation in the regular Force, was awarded to twenty- three officers for arresting criminals either on or off duty.

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