ENG-1987 — Page 264

PUBLIC ORDER

Police Cadet School

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The Police Cadet School at Fanling continued to provide an alternative style of education for young men aged between 15 and 17. Since its formation in 1973, the establishment of the school has been progressively increased from its original 150 to its present 750. During its 14 years of operation, 3 488 cadets have graduated from the school. Of these, 3 219 joined the Police Force, 42 entered the Fire Services, 75 opted for the Customs and Excise Service and 54 joined the Correctional Services Department.

Complaints Against Police Office

The Complaints Against Police Office (CAPO) was set up in 1974 to investigate complaints from the public concerning the conduct and behaviour of members of the Police Force, including civilian staff and auxiliary police officers. Over the years the number of complaints has increased steadily and in 1977 the OMELCO Police Group was set up to monitor all complaints. The chairman and members were drawn from the Executive and Legislative councils and appointed by the Governor. The Attorney General was a co-opted member.

In 1978, 2 264 complaints were tabled before the group. By 1984 the total had risen to 4 389, indicating both an increased awareness of the system and confidence in the investigative procedures of the police. This confidence has continued and is reflected in the fact that over 90 per cent of complaints are made in person, or by telephone, to the three regional CAPO offices or to police stations.

However, by 1984 the rise in complaints had put increased pressure on members of the group and a working party was established to examine methods of reducing this workload, while at the same time maintaining a detailed and independent monitor. As a result, in early 1986 the Police Complaints Committee (PCC) was formally established, supported by its own independent secretariat staffed by full-time public servants.

The PCC consists of a chairman and two vice-chairmen drawn from the Executive Council and the Legislative Council and at least eight Justices of the Peace - all appointed by the Governor. The Attorney General remains a co-opted member.

In 1987, 3 885 complaints were registered representing a decrease of 14.3 per cent over the 4 533 complaints received in 1986. A total of 80 police officers were disciplined and 37 were charged with offences resulting from complaints. The rate of substantiated complaints was 7.2 per cent against 8.2 per cent classified as false. Investigations are still to be completed into 1 395 complaints reported during the year.

In addition to investigating complaints, CAPO has a preventive role and is responsible for educating the force on complaint trends and associated problems. To achieve this, a video tape on common complaint situations was produced in conjunction with Police Public Relations Branch, and an intense programme of lectures extending throughout 1986 and 1987 covered a large proportion of all operational junior police officers. It is hoped, in this way, to reduce conflict situations with members of the public and to enhance public relations.

Planning and Development

Construction of Phase One of a new Police Headquarters complex continued on schedule and is expected to be completed in early 1989. Planning for Phase Two was well advanced also and completion is scheduled for late 1991. During the year, new police stations were completed at Tai Po, Tsing Yi and Lo Wu.