ENG-1976 — Page 174

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PUBLIC ORDER

In addition to basic training, the school provided in-service training courses for 809 officers during 1976. These courses are specially geared to bring serving con- stables, non-commissioned officers and inspectors up-to-date on laws and procedures and, where applicable, to develop leadership and management qualities.

The Criminal Investigation Department Training School held four 12-week courses at Aberdeen during the year. The 480 officers who attended ranged in rank from senior inspector to constable and included women. All were trained in the latest investigatory techniques. Since 1970 the school has instructed a total of 1,274 students, including officers from the Royal Brunei Police, the Philippines, the Immigration Department and the Preventive Service.

At the Police Tactical Unit at Volunteer Slopes, Fanling, 1,344 men underwent attachments ranging from 30 to 33 weeks. The unit's primary role is to provide all police personnel with a thorough grounding in anti-riot and crowd control tech- niques, and to provide an immediate reserve of manpower for use in any emergency. Platoons of women police are also formed periodically for a one-week attachment, during which they are given basic instruction in crowd control.

The Police Saracen Unit, which consists of 14 armoured personnel carriers, is also based at Volunteer Slopes.

The Marine Police Training School provides in-service training for personnel of the Marine District and for auxiliary police undertaking marine work. During the year 237 regular officers of all ranks and 44 auxiliaries completed courses on seaman- ship, engineering, wireless telegraphy and navigation. In addition, 20 officers attended specialised courses at the Hong Kong Polytechnic.

Auxiliary Police

The Royal Hong Kong Auxiliary Police Force is made up of 4,510 part-time men and women police. In 1976 an average of 922 officers each day of the year helped to support regular police engaged in beat and anti-crime patrol duties. Auxiliaries made many good arrests, which resulted in 16 officers receiving the Commandant's commendation.

All auxiliaries are required to undergo 14 days and 96 hours training a year. Seven of the training days are spent at an annual camp. Selected officers also attend training courses run by the regular force on such subjects as weapons, internal security, driving, adventure sports and command techniques.

Prisons Department

For the Prisons Department, 1976 was a year of increased activity and consolida- tion. It included the opening of the first maximum security correctional institution for young offenders, the introduction of an Outward Bound School type venture for young drug addicts, and the launching of a television series on the role the depart- ment is playing in support of law and order.