ENG-1994 — Page 357

PUBLIC ORDER

The Service Quality Wing is additionally responsible for overseeing the implementation of some 1 900 recommendations arising from 42 detailed studies undertaken by the Police Study Team over the past two years. These examined the manning scales and working procedures of all formations to ensure efficient deployment of resources in the Force.

Police Licensing Office

The Commissioner of Police, through the Police Licensing Office, is the Licensing Authority for various licences and permits. As the Societies Officer, he also accepts notification of the establishment of local societies.

In 1994, 986 societies notified the Societies Officer of their establishment and 795 societies were dissolved. At the year's end, a total of 6 154 societies had provided notification of their establishment.

An average of 2 384 people applied for registration as watchmen each month. In 1994, 23 390 watchmen were registered, of whom 1 217 were licensed to carry firearms. At the end of the year, a total of 108 115 watchmen were registered.

A total of 1 921 persons were licensed to possess arms for competition or target shooting, while 191 persons applied for arms licences.

During the year, 1 381 notifications of public meetings were processed. A further 378 licences for public processions, 2 759 permits for the use of loudspeakers and 896 lion dance permits were issued.

A total of 29 applications for massage establishment licences, 52 applications for auctioneer licences, two applications for marine store dealer licences, 11 applications for pawnbroker licences and 84 applications for temporary liquor licences were processed during the year.

Police Dog Unit

The Police Dog Unit moved to new, purpose-built accommodation within Queen's Hill Camp in Fanling, which will facilitate an upgrading of training, animal medicare and husbandry. Female officers are now offered the opportunity to compete for selection as dog- handlers and are fully integrated into the unit. Overseas training is also provided.

Some 90 dogs were on active duty during the year, with different units specialising in dangerous drugs detection, explosives detection, tracking and street patrols.

Complaints Against Police

The Complaints Against Police Office investigates all complaints from the public con- cerning the conduct and behaviour of members of the police force, including civilian staff and auxiliary police officers. The investigation of the complaints is monitored by the Independent Police Complaints Council.

In 1994, 3 090 complaints were received. This represented a decrease of 277 cases or 8.2 per cent over 1993. Over 98.2 per cent of complaints in 1994 were made by people either involved with, or subjected to, constabulary action. Complaints of assault, neglect of duty and conduct/manner made up the majority of cases, representing 79 per cent of the total complaints received. Investigations into 2 997 cases were completed and endorsed by the Police Complaints Committee. The substantiation rate for complaints under full investigation was 17.7 per cent. The number of cases classified as withdrawn or not

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