ENG-1997 — Page 363

PUBLIC ORDER

The ICAC received 3 057 reports alleging corruption (excluding election-related reports) in 1997. Of these, 1 288 reports were made against civil servants, a decrease of 1 per cent compared with 1996. There were 1 571 reports concerning the private sector, a decrease of 5 per cent, and 198 reports against employees of public bodies, compared with 131 in 1996.

Sufficient information was contained in 2 213 of the corruption reports received for investigation to commence. The department's caseload was 1 174 at the end of the year. In 1997, 314 persons were prosecuted and 59 cautioned for minor offences.

Corruption remained under control in Hong Kong. During the year, the department strengthened its strategy to unearth unreported corruption, and underwent an organisational restructuring to provide more front-line investigators. It also formed Operational Liaison Groups to forge closer links with all disciplined services and government departments.

Corruption Prevention

The Corruption Prevention Department examines the policies, practices and procedures of government departments and public bodies, and makes recommendations to remove opportunities for corruption. On request, it also advises the private sector on corruption prevention methods.

On completion of a corruption prevention study, a report with detailed recommendations is issued to the organisation concerned. In 1997, it produced 101 reports on such areas as law enforcement, licensing and inspection systems, purchasing, tendering and contract administration. Corruption prevention studies are systematically followed up to ensure that their recommendations are implemented and are effective.

Besides these detailed studies, the department also participates in numerous consultation exercises through correspondence and membership of working groups and committees. This is to ensure that early corruption prevention advice is given when public sector policies and procedures are being formulated. In 1997, the department was involved in such consultation activities on 220 occasions.

The department advised 205 private sector organisations in 1997. Typically the problem areas were related to purchasing, stock control and wage administration. In June, a telephone hotline was set up for members of the public to obtain immediate corruption prevention advice.

Community Relations

The Community Relations Department educates the public against the evils of corruption and enlists community support to fight the problem. Community education is conducted via the media and its network of eight regional offices.

In 1997, the department continued to produce radio and TV commercials to educate the public and enlist their support. In June, a panel briefing on the ICAC's work was conducted for the overseas media, followed by visits to the ICAC. The events attracted 170 local and overseas journalists.

To maintain a clean civil service, the department conducted 800 regular corruption prevention training sessions for staff of 42 government departments and 40 public bodies in 1997.

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