ENG-1959 — Page 268

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HONG KONG ANNUAL REPORT

Sub-Inspectors two were recruited in Australia, and one in New Zealand.

There was a total of 1,871 applicants for the post of Constable and 513 were taken on strength, of whom fifty were Women Constables.

A certain amount of difficulty is experienced in recruiting suit- able men for appointment as Constable; the principle reason for this being that men with suitable qualifications are able to obtain less exacting work with better remuneration. It is felt, however, that with a general increase in salary, as recommended by the recent Salaries Commission, the recruiting situation will improve. In addition to initial training the Police Training School provides advanced-training for N.C.O.s and Constables, whilst Criminal Investigation and Traffic Courses are also held. These courses are designed to improve the professional knowledge and general efficiency of those attending.

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Refresher courses for Probationary Sub-Inspectors and advanced training courses for Inspectors and Gazetted Officers at the School will be introduced during 1960.

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A Rank and File Cadet Course, designed to enable outstanding members of the Rank and File to qualify for accelerated promo- tion was held during the year. Twenty members of the Force were selected to attend this course which consists of six months intensive training on police subjects at Inspectorate level. Special attention is paid to development of initiative and powers of leadership. As from this year all members of the Rank and File before being selected to attend a Cadet Course will be required to undergo and qualify in a six months advanced English Course designed to improve their standard of English.

The Police Training School also provides facilities for the training of the Auxiliary Police. During the year 1,481 members of the Auxiliary Police attended the Annual Training Camp at the School.

Communications and Transport. This expanding and important branch of the Force is controlled from Colony Headquarters but, in the near future, Radio Control Centres will be established in each of the three Districts. All vehicular transport, training of drivers and all forms of communication including radiotelephony,