ENG-1986 — Page 252

210

PUBLIC ORDER

During the year, 9 303 people applied to join the police force as constables. The number of constables appointed was 994 and, of these, 14 per cent were women. A total of 152 police inspectors were appointed, of whom 81 were direct entry local appointees, 28 were direct entry overseas appointees and 43 were junior police officers appointed through the 'potential officer' selection scheme.

Promotion prospects in the force remained excellent at all levels. A total of 27 gazetted officers were promoted to the rank of senior superintendent and above, 32 chief inspectors to superintendent, 45 senior inspectors to chief inspector, 85 sergeants to station sergeant and 270 constables to sergeant. In addition, 16 exceptionally experienced station sergeants were promoted to the rank of inspector.

Welfare

The Police Welfare Branch provides a wide range of welfare, psychological, sporting, recreational and catering services for both disciplined and civilian members of the force and their families.

During the year, 5 389 interviews were conducted in the regional welfare offices and 4999 visits were made by Welfare Branch staff to officers and their families at home or in hospital. Some 4213 children of both regular and auxiliary police officers were granted bursaries from the Police Children's Education Trust and the Police Education and Welfare Trust.

Two new sports and recreation clubhouses were opened by Princess Alexandra in April. The Police Sports and Recreation Club in Boundary Street provides a wide range of facilities for all ranks, while the Police Officers' Club in Causeway Bay provides facilities for officers of inspectorate rank and above and their civilian counterparts.

Thirty-one holiday homes and recreation centres, situated at scenic spots, were also available to members of the force.

Royal Hong Kong Auxiliary Police Force

The Royal Hong Kong Auxiliary Police Force comprises volunteers from all walks of life. Its current strength is 4 837, about 10 per cent of whom are women officers. The force assists the regular police force in day-to-day constabulary duties and provides additional manpower if needed.

The average daily turnout of auxiliaries for constabulary duties was about 700. The Commissioner of Police officially opened the new headquarters of the Royal Hong Kong Auxiliary Police, at Kowloon Bay, on January 25.

Customs and Excise Department

+ +

the

The Customs and Excise Department is organised into three major branches Headquarters Branch responsible for departmental administration, revenue and training; the Operations Branch comprising the three Customs and Excise Service regions together with the three Trade Inspection regions, and the Investigation Branch comprising the Customs Investigation Bureau, the Trade Investigation Bureau and the Trading Standards Investigation Bureau.

The major component part of the department is the Customs and Excise Service, a disciplined force of 2 611 officers and men which enforces Hong Kong's laws on dutiable commodities, dangerous 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 inter- national obligations.