ENG-1979 — Page 174

PUBLIC ORDER

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Hong Kong through Macau. To prevent this, police and security forces were deployed in various activities.

In June, a contract was signed by the Hong Kong Government for the building locally of nine 25-metre patrol launches of Dutch design. These launches will be delivered between February and September, 1980, and will boost the present police fleet to 56 vessels. A com- prehensive recruiting campaign was in hand, coupled with an intensified training programme to man these additional launches.

Although marine police were heavily committed in regard to illegal immigration and Vietnamese refugee problems, normal watch and ward duties were not forgotten. Despite the increasing numbers of people from the urban areas visiting outlying islands and beaches, crime remained low, being 0.5 per cent of the total for Hong Kong. It was mainly confined to petty theft, breaking into unoccupied weekend homes and minor assaults.

Communications and Transport

The Communications and Transport Branch plans, installs and maintains sophisticated telecommunications systems. These consist of radio networks, computer command and control systems incorporating teleprinter networks, telephone networks, radar installations and a variety of specialised electronic equipment. The branch also manages a fleet of 1,406 vehicles consisting of 951 four-wheel vehicles and 455 motorcycles, co-ordinates the supply of petrol and oil and the purchase of ancillary equipment, and trains its own drivers at the Police Driving School.

A new air-to-ground radio network, which gives territory-wide coverage, began operating in 1979. The system enables police launches and commanders of field operations to com- municate directly with military or Royal Hong Kong Auxiliary Air Force helicopters.

The beat radio system continued to show its worth in 1979 and more radios were purchased. Through the system, patrolling constables are able to maintain contact with district and divisional controllers and with other police officers on duty in the same area. This enables an immediate response to be made to any reported crime, incident or traffic problem.

Community Relations

Police community relations officers and the Junior Police Call Scheme play an important part in promoting good relations between the police and the public.

Junior Police Call, which has a membership of almost 250,000 young people, chose 'community service' as its theme for the year. Numerous activities were organised, ranging from participating in large-scale fund-raising campaigns for charity to carrying out domestic chores for the aged and the disabled.

The Good Citizen Award Scheme, sponsored by the police and the Hong Kong General Chamber of Commerce, formed a vital part of the 1979 Community Against Crime Campaign. The chamber of commerce raised more than $1 million in an appeal to support the running of the scheme.

The Community Against Crime Campaign was launched to enlist further public support in the war against crime. The campaign laid particular stress on the need for every member of the public to assist in reporting crime. This was particularly relevant in the light of the apathetic reporting rate reflected in a Crime Victimisation Survey conducted during the year. The survey, organised by the Census and Statistics Department, was made public in October.