ENG-1975 — Page 162

PUBLIC ORDER

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The operations branch is the investigating arm of the commission and is manned by civilians. It is responsible for the investigation of any alleged or suspected offences under the Prevention of Bribery Ordinance or the Corrupt and Illegal Practices Ordinance. A senior representative of the Attorney General's Chambers is attached to the branch and, on behalf of the Attorney General, he and his staff direct the prosecution of corruption cases which are put before the courts.

During 1975 the courts dealt with 218 prosecutions concerning offences in respect of the Prevention of Bribery Ordinance and related offences. These resulted in the conviction of 136 people, with 43 cases still outstanding. At the end of the year the operations branch was actively investigating 394 allegations of corruption. An Operations Target Committee of private citizens and public servants advises the commission on operations branch activities. There is also a sub-committee which considers all anonymous complaints made to the commission.

The corruption prevention branch is responsible for examining the procedures and practices of government departments and public bodies with the aim of eradicat- ing, whenever practicable, or substantially reducing the opportunities for corruption. During the year 35 examinations were completed and put to relevant government departments for consideration. At the end of the year 30 assignments were under active examination. On the whole, government departments and public bodies wel- come such examinations and give invaluable assistance to the commission's officers. A Corruption Prevention Advisory Committee advises the Commissioner on what areas should be examined and the degree of priority to be accorded to each. It also advises on further action to be taken as a result of examination recommendations.

The community relations branch aims to rally public support in the fight against corruption. The commission has sub-offices in high density population areas where personal contact can be established and maintained, and where corruption allegations can be lodged at times and locations convenient to the public. Four sub-offices were opened during the year-two in Kowloon, one in the New Territories and one on Hong Kong Island. These sub-offices are open 14 hours a day, from 8 am to 10 pm, every day of the year. A further four sub-offices will be opened when money is avail- able. During the year liaison officers from the community relations branch took part in 1,702 talks and discussions with a wide variety of organisations and groups.

A publicity and public education effort is made through the local mass media to explain the work of the commission. A television drama series and other public education aids are under preparation. A Citizens Advisory Committee on Community Relations, widely representative of community interests and age groups, was appointed by the Governor during the year to guide the commission in its community relations effort.

Fire and Ambulance Services

The Fire Services Department answered 137,559 calls during the year-7,370 fire, 126,538 ambulance and 3,651 special service calls. This compares with a total of 119,676 calls in 1974. Direct monetary loss from fire amounted to an estimated