ENG-1991 — Page 306

PUBLIC ORDER

Operation of the Pilot Station Information Communal System and the Major Incident Investigation and Disaster System commenced in June and July 1991 respectively.

Thirty-one additional microcomputers and twenty-seven word processors were provided to various formations during the year.

Transport

Transport Branch is responsible for the procurement, distribution and maintenance of the force vehicle fleet and the recruitment, training and management of police drivers. To meet operational needs, some 60 vehicles were added to the fleet during the year giving a total of 2 257 vehicles including 767 motorcycles.

An automatic car-washing plant will be built in Police Headquarters and become operational early in 1992. If this plant proves cost-effective, similar plants will be introduced throughout the force.

Research

The Research Branch is responsible for examining current and proposed police tactics in order to achieve practical improvements. Additionally, it evaluates special police equipment requirements with the aim of ensuring the force has the most effective equipment to perform its duties.

Research projects completed in 1991 included: the identification of alternative shift patterns for uniform branch personnel to reduce the deleterious effects of shift work; a feasibility study on expanding the role of detective constables in the processing of crime reports; a review of valuable, bulky property storage facilities, and an examination of the documentation relating to the detention and movement of persons in police custody.

Inspection Services Wing

The Inspection Services Branch of the Inspection Services Wing has been fully committed to Management Resources Studies. The aim of the studies has been to critically examine existing resources, including accommodation, with a view to achieving the greatest cost-effectiveness without hampering operational efficiency. Up to the end of 1991, 23 studies have been completed. The studies have identified savings in manpower, capital and recurrent costs, and recommended certain structural changes towards maintaining the force's various roles and functions in the light of the government's austerity programme.

Licensing and Society Registration

During the year, 127 societies have been registered by the Registrar of Societies who has also exempted 79 from the requirement to be registered. Seventy-five societies were cancelled from registration and exemption. At the year end, 159 applications under the Societies Ordinance were processed.

An average of 2 087 people applied for registration as watchmen each month. At the end of the year, 13 576 watchmen were registered, with 1 005 of them licensed to carry arms.

Police Dog Unit

The Police Dog Unit breeds and trains dogs to fulfil a variety of roles including drug detection, tracking, general patrol and, more recently, explosives detection. On completion of training, patrol dogs are based at police stations throughout the territory and specialist

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