ENG-1999 — Page 360

PUBLIC ORDER

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body comprising non-official members, appointed by the Chief Executive and assisted by a full-time secretariat, to ensure that all complaints are investigated thoroughly and impartially.

In 1999, 3 101 complaints were received. This represented an increase of 195 cases, or 6.7 per cent compared with 1998. Over 99 per cent of complaints in 1999 came from people either involved with, or subject to, constabulary action. Complaints about assault, neglect of duty, misconduct and improper manner made up the majority of cases, or 81 per cent of total complaints. Investigations into 3 195 cases were completed and endorsed by the IPCC. The substantiation rate for complaints fully investigated was 17.4 per cent. In all, 1 301 cases were classified as 'withdrawn' or 'not pursuable', representing 40.7 per cent of the total. Altogether, 935 cases or 29.3 per cent of all complaints were dealt with through an Informal Resolution Scheme. A total of 43 police officers were disciplined and nine charged with offences resulting from the complaints.

In close consultation with the IPCC, the CAPO introduced a range of measures to enhance the transparency and fairness of the complaints system. The IPCC may also invite complainants, complainees and witnesses to its office for interview by its members. Interviews of complainants are, subject to their consent, video or tape- recorded and made available for review by the IPCC if required. With the consent of interviewees, IPCC members are allowed to observe interviews conducted by CAPO officers. To further enhance the monitoring function of the IPCC, the IPCC observation scheme was expanded in September by the appointment of 29 Lay Observers, comprising chairpersons of District Fight Crime Committees, former IPCC members and other community leaders. In addition, the scope was expanded to include observation of interviews with complainants and complainees, conducted by senior police officers, in order to informally resolve certain complaints.

The CAPO is also responsible for advising force members on how complaints may be prevented. Throughout the year, it provided lectures and seminars for force members on this subject.

Civilian Staff

A civilian establishment of more than 6 200 in 58 different grades is deployed throughout the force, representing about 18 per cent of its total manpower. Civilian staff play a vital role by performing a wide variety of functional duties to support police operations.

Training

Police training mainly focuses on developing officers' knowledge, skills and confidence. Emphasis is also placed on developing a more customer-oriented training philosophy and cultivating a strong learning ethos.

Most police training is designed and provided by the force using its own resources, supplemented by overseas training when appropriate. Newly recruited constables and inspectors attend 27-week and 36-week residential courses respectively at the Police Training School in Wong Chuk Hang. Both the Probationary Inspector and Recruit Police Constable training course syllabuses have been systematically reviewed.

The Continuation and Promotion Division provides development and promotion courses both for newly promoted and experienced junior police officers. A review of

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