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and hawkers and the injuries sustained by some HCT members. My answers are as follows:
(a) Although it is generally suspected that some hawkers, such as those plying their illegal trade late at night, might have covert triad backing, the Department has no evidence or information regarding the alleged payment of ‘lookout' fee by the hawkers in Mongkok District. Staff of the Department reflect their views and their feelings on this matter to police counterparts when the time is right. The Police have pledged to give the Department their full support and positive back-up in hawker control operations, particularly where confrontation is anticipated. There has always been good co-operation between the Department and the Police. Upon request from HCT members in the field, speedy reinforcement is always available and police constable(s) would normally arrive at the scene within 5-7 minutes. Follow-up action is taken by the Police whenever any HCT member is reported to have been threatened. According to Departmental records, there have been 7 complaints referred to the Police for investigation since the formation of the Hawker Control Officer grade in May 1994 for any necessary further Police action.
(b) The Department is aware that the illegal hawkers particularly those operating during late-night could be aggressive and might resist arrest during operations. Before the trial of the shift pattern, the Police have been duly informed of the need to strengthen support to facilitate the smooth operation of the RTF. Since the commencement of the trial on 1.2.96, there have been no serious problems encountered so far and Police support has always been available whenever required. The Department will closely monitor the situation and liaise with the Police with a view to enlisting their continued support.
(c) To facilitate effective communication with the Regional Control Centres, RTF members are well equipped with new sets of portable radio. In addition, carphones are also available in the vehicles and the squad leaders are given the use of mobile phones whenever required. The Department is now considering providing the staff with additional uniform items such as cap, waist bag and nylon belt, etc to meet operational needs.
(d) When the Hawker Control Officer (HCO) grade was first established in May 1994, the remuneration and welfare of the grade were fully considered with regard to their duties and functions. There is no plan to review these two aspects at present. Because of the difference in job nature, recruitment criteria and operational requirements, to make a comparison between the HCO grade and disciplined forces is not practical. In general, the HCO grade has been provided with the remuneration and welfare package normally applicable to civilian grades at the equivalent Master Pay Scale as approved by the Standing Commission on Civil Service Salaries and Conditions of Services. The
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HONG KONG Urban COUNCIL
119
and hawkers and the injuries sustained by some HCT members. My answers are as follows:
(a) Although it is generally suspected that some hawkers, such as those plying their illegal trade late at night, might have covert triad backing, the Department has no evidence or information regarding the alleged payment of ‘lookout' fee by the hawkers in Mongkok District. Staff of the Department reflect their views and their feelings on this matter to police counterparts when the time is right. The Police have pledged to give the Department their full support and positive back-up in hawker control operations, particularly where confrontation is anticipated. There has always been good co-operation between the Department and the Police. Upon request from HCT members in the field, speedy reinforcement is always available and police constable(s) would normally arrive at the scene within 5-7 minutes. Follow-up action is taken by the Police whenever any HCT member is reported to have been threatened. According to Departmental records, there have been 7 complaints referred to the Police for investigation since the formation of the Hawker Control Officer grade in May 1994 for any necessary further Police action.
(b) The Department is aware that the illegal hawkers particularly those operating during late-night could be aggressive and might resist arrest during operations. Before the trial of the shift pattern, the Police have been duly informed of the need to strengthen support to facilitate the smooth operation of the RTF. Since the commencement of the trial on 1.2.96, there have been no serious problems encountered so far and Police support has always been available whenever required. The Department will closely monitor the situation and liaise with the Police with a view to enlisting their continued support.
(c) To facilitate effective communication with the Regional Control Centres, RTF members are well equipped with new sets of portable radio. In addition, carphones are also available in the vehicles and the squad leaders are given the use of mobile phones whenever required. The Department is now considering providing the staff with additional uniform items such as cap, waist bag and nylon belt, etc to meet operational needs.
(d) When the Hawker Control Officer (HCO) grade was first established in May 1994, the remuneration and welfare of the grade were fully considered with regard to their duties and functions. There is no plan to review these two aspects at present. Because of the difference in job nature, recruitment criteria and operational requirements, to make a comparison between the HCO grade and disciplined forces is not practical. In general, the HCO grade has been provided with the remuneration and welfare package normally applicable to civilian grades at the equivalent Master Pay Scale as approved by the Standing Commission on Civil Service Salaries and Conditions of Services. The
Page 406 of 485
Page 406 of 485
Page 406 of 485
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