ENG-1994 — Page 343

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PUBLIC ORDER

HONG KONG remains one of the safest cities in the world. Although the crime rate increased slightly in 1994, violent crime continued to decline for the third year in succession.

As the Royal Hong Kong Police celebrated its 150th anniversary, the fight against crime continued without remission. Plans are afoot to put an extra 400 police officers on the streets in 1995. Improved co-operation with the Chinese authorities has also resulted in a reduction in cross-border crime.

A trial programme to arm women officers was announced in November, in a move to provide women with wider opportunities in the police service. Implementation of the programme will begin with women recruit police constables joining after January 1995 taking part in a full-scale training programme, to assess both training commitments and suitability of weapon.

The Fire Services Department, meanwhile, extended its recruitment of operational fire officers to female applicants.

During the year, public concern emerged over the extent of the powers of the Independent Commission Against Corruption (ICAC). An independent committee was set up in February to review the powers and system of accountability of the ICAC. In December, the committee presented its report, recommending, among other things, the retention of all the ICAC's existing investigatory powers, but that the exercise of certain powers should in future be authorised by the courts rather than the Commissioner.

Several tragic events occurred in 1994. On January 10, 12 staff members were killed and one injured in a fire set by a suspected arsonist at the Shek Kip Mei branch of the Hong Kong and Shanghai Banking Corporation. An official investigation team was set up to look into the tragedy.

The persistent torrential rain in July and August caused widespread flooding and many landslides, and the territory's rescue services were out in force.

The most serious incident occurred on July 23 at Kwun Lung Lau Estate, Kennedy Town, when five people were killed and three injured in the collapse of a retaining wall. Two thousand families were evacuated.

The Organisational Structure

The government gives high priority to the fight against crime and the maintenance of public order. The Fight Crime Committee, chaired by the Chief Secretary, provides valuable advice

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