ENG-1951 — Page 104

high degree of prevention and detection of crime reflect the greatest credit on the Police Force. The efficiency of the Force was further demonstrated this year by the fact that in spite of the new restrictive legislation on trade which has caused the Police a considerable amount of additional work the Force's earlier planned programme of expansion and training was not interrupted.

At the end of the year the strength of the Force was 4,455, consisting of 39 gazetted officers, an inspectorate of 375, 226 of whom were expatriates, 552 Shantung Police and 3,489 rank and file, the majority of whom were Cantonese but including a small number of Eurasians and 94 Indians. The Force was relieved of all but strictly police duties by a civilian staff of 772.

The Force consists of a headquarters and two main branches, the Uniformed Branch and the C.I.D. The Uniformed Branch operates throughout the Colony which is divided for police purposes into two territorial districts, sub-divided into seven divisions. The branch also deals with traffic, communications and marine police work. In addition there are several task forces such as emergency units, water- front, searching units, a railway police unit, a hawker squad and village penetration patrols.

The Marine Police have a fleet of 21 vessels ranging from ocean- going tugs to motor-boats, all fitted with radio telephone. Close cooperation was maintained throughout the year with the Royal Navy.

The C.I.D. consists of the Detective Branch and the Special Branch, the former dealing with identifications, records and statistics, forensic laboratory work, commercial crime, corruption and homicide, the Special Branch being responsible for the prevention and detection of all activities subversive to peace and good order, as well as operating the Immigration Department and the Registry of Aliens and approved Societies.

Training and Education

The

All ranks on engagement undergo a period of training at the Police Training School, six months in the case of locally recruited inspectorate and four months in the case of the rank and file. syllabus includes law and police duties, first aid, drill and weapon training, including the use of tear smoke. Concentrated refresher courses are held for N.C.O's and there is a special course of training for Marine Police including signalling and seamanship. A total of 543 men passed out of the school during the year and 437 men completed refresher and promotion courses.

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