ENG-1959 — Page 266

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HONG KONG ANNUAL REPORT

of the two units have lost none of their enthusiasm through the amalgamation, and because of this the new unified Force has settled down extremely well. The total strength of the Auxiliary Police Force on 31st December stood at 1,859 for all ranks, an increase of 10 over the previous year.

Crime. The peak year for serious crime in Hong Kong was 1954, and since then a gradual reduction has been recorded. 1959 was no exception in respect of preventable offences. Despite a steadily growing population, satisfactory decreases were recorded for all classes of crime other than 'breaking' offences, and the detection rate continued to show considerable improvement. The full statis- tics of serious crime are recorded at Appendix XVIII.

An important aspect of the preventive action by the police has been the sustained drive against the criminal secret societies, or Triads, members of which are responsible for much of the crime and vice in Hong Kong. This was again illustrated during the month of September when, as a result of a special sweep against Triads preceding the October 1st and 10th celebrations, preventable crime dropped to a new low level.

Police Supervision of habitual criminals continued to assist in the prevention of crime, although the application has been more selective during the year, resulting in fewer persons under stricter supervision.

There was little change in the great volume of prosecutions undertaken in respect of non-serious crimes and minor breaches of the many regulations necessary to maintain order in the densely populated urban areas of the Colony.

The Police continue to be assisted to no small extent by members of the public, and an increased number of criminals were arrested by them throughout the year, in many cases at great personal risk. At ceremonies held at Colony Headquarters during 1959, forty four letters of appreciation and monetary awards were presented by the Commissioner of Police to members of the public for outstanding services to the community.

Training. All recruits are introduced to the Force through the Police Training School which is situated in a valley at Wong Chuk Hang, Aberdeen, approximately nine miles from the centre of the City of Victoria. The School area covers about fifty acres of land.