ENG-1993 — Page 333

PUBLIC ORDER

and 34 cases or one per cent classified as false. Altogether, 2 338 cases or 66.4 per cent of all complaints were either withdrawn or not pursuable. A total of 576 cases, representing 16.4 per cent of all complaints, were dealt with by way of the new Informal Resolution Scheme. Overall, 17 police officers were disciplined and two charged with offences resulting from the complaints. In addition, 204 officers were the subject of corrective action.

The Complaints Against Police Office is also responsible for advising Force members on how complaints can be prevented. Throughout the year, lectures and seminars on complaint prevention were organised for junior police officers, with the aim of improving public relations and reducing situations of conflict. A Complaints Prevention Committee, made up of various ranks in the Force, was set up in 1992 to identify and eradicate areas which may lead to complaints.

Recruitment

As at December 31, 1993, the Force establishment stood at 27 263 and 6 026 for disciplined and civilian staff, respectively. The strength of the Force had improved and was 27 251 and 5 782, respectively.

During the year, 8 879 applications for the post of constable were received, with 1 367 recruits subsequently taken on strength.

With regard to the recruitment of inspectors, 37 local direct-entry officers were appointed, while 41 junior police officers were promoted. In addition, 20 overseas officers were taken on strength.

The year saw a healthy recruitment situation and a significant reduction in wastage levels.

Training

Training is a vital part of a police officer's career, starting with initial training on recruitment, followed by in-service training (which takes place both locally and, in some cases, overseas) and training after promotion.

Newly-recruited inspectors and constables are sent to the Police Training School at Wong Chuk Hang, a modern 18-hectare campus, for their initial training. The 36-week inspectors' and the 24-week constables' courses cover similar subjects, including criminal law, social studies, police and court procedures, drill, firearms, first aid, physical fitness, swimming, life-saving and self-defence. Inspectors also study management theory and practical leadership. As part of recruit training, expatriate inspectors study colloquial Cantonese, while functional English is taught to local inspectors.

An officer is kept up-to-date with new legislation and procedures by in-service training at regular intervals throughout his service. In addition, there are tailor-made courses for officers in more specialised branches involved, among other things, in marine, traffic, financial investigation and instructional work. Language courses on English, Mandarin and Vietnamese are also run in conjunction with the Civil Service Training Centre. During the year, about 50 officers were sent to the United Kingdom, Canada, the United States, New Zealand, Australia and Malaysia for management, specialist and technical training.

The Higher Training Division provides progressive levels of management training and self-development courses for inspectors, chief inspectors and newly-promoted superintendents. The courses are designed to be mind-broadening and to provide a wider perspective of social and political developments in Hong Kong, as well as an opportunity

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