ENG-1986 — Page 242

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Public Order

THE Royal Hong Kong Police Force has responsibility for preventing and detecting crime and continues to expand and adapt its resources to meet the increasing challenges of modern police work. For example, long-term schemes are being introduced to enhance the police force's radio communications network and computer facilities.

In 1986, a strategy was approved to increase gradually the proportion of local officers in the senior ranks of the police force. To preserve the high efficiency and morale of the police force, promotion on merit will continue to take priority.

In tackling the illicit trade in drugs, the police maintain close liaison with the Customs and Excise Department. The Customs and Excise Department also works closely with over- seas law enforcement agencies to combat smuggling and to enforce the Copyright Ordin- ance. Work continued on amending the Dutiable Commodities Ordinance, which provides for the control of the import, manufacture and distribution of dutiable commodities.

The Independent Commission Against Corruption enforces the Prevention of Bribery Ordinance and continues to educate the community on the evils of corruption. On occasion, the commission liaises closely with the police force to pool resources and expertise.

The Correctional Services Department administers the penal system, runs all different types of rehabilitation and correctional programmes, and manages closed centres for Vietnamese refugees. During 1986, the department continued to expand and improve its facilities and services. Great emphasis is placed on vocational and educational training of inmates.

Fire fighting is not an easy task in the crowded areas of Hong Kong. The Fire Services Department, nevertheless, provides an efficient and modern service to the community, with fire stations strategically located all over the territory. The work of the Ambulance Command of the department continued to increase during the year, receiving about 1 000 calls a day.

Fight Crime Committee

The Fight Crime Committee, under the chairmanship of the Chief Secretary, continued to reflect the high priority given by the government to the fight against crime and the maintenance of law and order. The committee provided advice and recommendations on a wide range of matters, including triad and gang activities, control of imitation firearms, approaches to juvenile crime and young offenders, nuisance caused by vice establishments, and regulation of Hong Kong's security industry.

The menace posed by triads, gangs and organised crime was the focus of much attention during the year. In April, the committee published a discussion document, 'Options for Changes in the Law and in the Administration of the Law to Counter the Triad Problem',