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LAW, ORDER AND RECORDS

To combat the criminals in Hong Kong the CID has built up comprehensive records of criminal offenders. These include records showing the methods used by criminals in their trades (the 'Modus Operandi' index), the personal peculiarities of known criminals and fingerprint records. The Department is experimenting with a method of identifying criminals by composite photographs (Ident-i- kit) which is used by British Police Forces.

The statistics of serious crime are at Appendix IX.

Recruitment and Training. Overseas probationary inspectors are recruited in the United Kingdom and the Commonwealth, and other probationary inspectors and constables are recruited locally. Upon enlistment, all ranks are given a six-month course of initial training in the Police Training School at Aberdeen. The curriculum includes lectures on public relations, civics, the principles of law and legal procedures, Court procedure, police and Government regulations, drill, musketry, physical training, riot drill, life saving and first aid. The course is designed not only to train the men in police duties but also to broaden their general outlook and fit them for responsibility. Overseas officers are taught the first stages of Cantonese and locally recruited men and women are taught English. Recruits from the Marine Division undergo additional training in seamanship, signals and Port Regulations.~

At the end of their initial six months' training all ranks are posted to units where they carry out duties under supervision, and for the remainder of their probationary service inspectors attend the Police Training School on one day a month for lectures, and constables attend small District training centres on two days a month for the same purpose. Inspectors and constables return to the Police Training School for continuation training courses for two weeks in their second and third years of service and refresher courses are held for those in the sixth to tenth year of service.

The fourth annual study course on the Social and Psychological Background of Crime was held at the University of Hong Kong in December. Government was represented at the course, which is now an established feature of training, by 23 police officers and several members of the Prisons and Social Welfare Departments. Each year a number of officers go to the United Kingdom on courses of instruction at the Police Colleges at Bramshill and