ENG-1983 — Page 232

PUBLIC ORDER

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are dealt with by the Independent Commission Against Corruption. Complaints made directly to the police, and in particular to CAPO, continued to rise in number indicating the increasing trust members of the public have in the investigation process. A new branch office to handle complaints originating in the New Territories opened in Tsuen Wan. Three offices now serve Hong Kong Island, Kowloon and the New Territories, providing improved reporting facilities for the public.

The UMELCO Police Group monitors and reviews investigations into complaints made against members of the force and into police procedures. The group, which comprises members of the Executive and Legislative Councils including the Attorney General, meets monthly with senior police officers.

During 1983, 4 259 complaints were received by CAPO, an increase of 22.6 per cent over 1982. During the year, 155 officers were disciplined or prosecuted criminally as a result of enquiries into complaints made by members of the public. -

Auxiliary Police

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The Royal Hong Kong Auxiliary Police Force, consisting of volunteers from all walks of life, complements the regular police force in day-to-day constabulary duties and provides internal security support during times of emergency. Its strength at the end of 1983 was 5 417 in all ranks, approximately 10 per cent of whom were women officers.

In 1983, approximately 1 000 auxiliaries turned out for constabulary duties each day. Such duties are voluntary and are additional to the statutory training requirements which are met by scheduled in-service training at the Auxiliary Police Headquarters on Hong Kong Island and at various police stations throughout the territory. The content of the training syllabus was further refined and improved during the year. Recruitment continued to be satisfactory, with a total of 635 recruits, including 24 direct entry inspectors.

Customs and Excise Service

The Customs and Excise Service enforces Hong Kong's laws on dutiable commodities, dan- gerous drugs, import and export controls and copyright protection. Other responsibilities include the prevention and detection of illegally imported goods which are prohibited or restricted for public health or safety reasons, or to meet international obligations.

The service, a disciplined force of 2 485 officers, is the major component of the Customs and Excise Department. It has three regions - Hong Kong Island, Kowloon and the New Territories, and three specialist/support branches the command headquarters, the Customs Investigation Bureau and the Customs Technical Bureau.

Revenue Protection

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There are four dutiable commodities in Hong Kong - alcoholic liquor, tobacco, methyl alcohol and hydrocarbon oil used as fuel for motor vehicles and aircraft. The Customs. and Excise Service is responsible for collecting and protecting revenue from dutiable commodities. The Dutiable Commodities Ordinance imposes controls on the import, export, manufacture, sale and storage of these commodities throughout Hong Kong. In 1982-3, $1,245.69 million was collected on dutiable commodities, compared with $937.03 million in 1981–2.

Anti-Narcotics Operations

The service is responsible for the prevention and suppression of illicit trafficking in narcotics and other dangerous drugs. It intercepts illegal imports, and takes action against drug