ENG-1988 — Page 286

PUBLIC ORDER

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By the end of 1988, the unit had 83 dogs, dispersed throughout the territory. Most of the dogs are German Shepherds, and some are Labradors.

Personnel

At the end of the year, the force establishment totalled 27 367 disciplined posts, an increase of 741 over the corresponding figure in 1987. In addition, there are 5 953 civilians, representing about 18 per cent of the overall establishment.

There were 12 615 applications to join the Police Force as constables. The number of constables appointed during the year was 2 220, 11.2 per cent of them being women. A total of 229 persons were appointed as police inspectors during the year, of whom 98 were direct entry local appointees, 78 were direct entry overseas appointees and 53 were junior police officers appointed through the 'potential officer' selection scheme.

Recruitment targets for the year had been set at a high level for future expansion and to make up for depletion through other means. The scheduled intake of both inspectors and constables was fully met.

Promotion prospects in the force remained excellent at all levels. Thirty-six gazetted officers were promoted to senior superintendent and above, 31 chief inspectors to superintendent, 69 senior inspectors to chief inspector, 123 sergeants to station sergeant and 430 constables to sergeant. In addition, 14 exceptionally experienced station sergeants were promoted to the rank of inspector.

Exchange Scheme

The third round of the superintendent of police exchange scheme between Hong Kong and the United Kingdom began during the year. Three officers were seconded to Hong Kong from British police forces for a period of two years to undertake full operational duties as divisional commanders. Similarly, three Hong Kong superintendents were seconded to three British police forces. The objective of the exchange scheme is to further the development and experience of selected local officers and for the force to benefit from the experience of officers seconded to Hong Kong. It is intended to increase the number of exchanges in 1989.

Welfare

The Welfare Branch has expanded its work more rapidly in recent years and now provides a comprehensive range of welfare, sporting, recreational, catering, psychological and retire- ment services for all members of the force and their families.

During the year, social work staff made 4 842 casework visits to officers and their families and conducted 4 538 casework interviews in the four regional welfare offices and three sub-offices. Family Life Education programmes were organised to promote stress aware- ness, parental skills, and marital enrichment among officers and their families. A total of 3 886 children of both regular and auxiliary police officers were awarded bursaries from the Police Children's Education Trust and the Police Education and Welfare Trust to assist them in their education.

The Police Sports and Recreation Club at Boundary Street, the Police Officers' Club at Causeway Bay, and the Force Holiday Homes and Recreation Centres enjoyed high turnouts through most of the year, with their resources being particularly stretched at public holidays. The highlight of the Police Force's sporting calendar was in October, when 18 of its leading sportsmen participated in the International Law Enforcement Olympics held in Sydney, Australia. The team competed in nine sports and won 25 medals.