Police-1967-1968 — Page 9

PART I

GENERAL REPORT AND SURVEY OF THE YEAR

1

INTRODUCTION

THE introduction to the 1966-67 Annual Report ended with the statement that at the end of the year the Force was 'in good shape to meet any challenge ahead'. Within six weeks the Force was in fact called upon to meet the most serious and prolonged challenge to internal security in the history of the Colony. All ranks remained resolute in the face of obloquy, intimidation and propaganda; and the Force effectively dealt with the many and varied situations with which it was confronted during the period from May to December, when local communist elements did their best to disrupt the peaceful way of life which Hong Kong had for so long enjoyed.

2. Good training is an essential requirement for any Police Force, and this Force has for many years placed considerable emphasis on training. Every recruit, whether of the rank of probationary inspector or constable, receives on appointment a thorough and comprehensive grounding in police work in the Training School at Aberdeen; and at recurring intervals during their service police officers are required to undergo courses of refresher and further training. In addition to the training in normal day to day police duties provided by the Police Training School, Gazetted Officers, members of the Inspectorate and Rank and File undergo Cadre and Company training in riot suppression drills and duties at the Police Training Contingent, Fanling. The training provided by these two establishments is complementary. The one develops individual initiative and the other teaches all ranks from P.C. to Superintendent to operate as a team. The result, as revealed during 1967, is that a Hong Kong Police Officer is able not only to act inde- pendently, taking decisions for himself, but also to act jointly with others, responding immediately to orders given by his commanders.

3. The value of the training carried out within the Force was particularly apparent during the seven months when the Colony was the scene of violence and disorder. Mobilized whenever necessary in its

I