ENG-2000 — Page 382

PUBLIC ORDER

322

functions by the Police Force. Complaints of neglect of duty, misconduct and improper manner, accounted for 61.4 per cent of total complaints.

During the year, 3 548 investigations were endorsed by the IPCC. The rate of substantiation for complaints that were fully investigated (as opposed to complaints of a minor and trivial nature which were consensually dealt with by way of Informal Resolution) was 13.8 per cent. A total of 1 404 cases were classified as withdrawn or not pursuable, which represented 39.6 per cent of the total. Informal Resolution was adopted in 1 053 cases or 29.7 per cent of all complaints. A total of 48 police officers were subject to disciplinary action arising from complaints made by members of the community.

The Police Force is committed to enhancing the transparency and fairness of the complaint system. To this end, much emphasis was put on further expansion of the IPCC Lay Observer Scheme, which commenced in 1999. Under the scheme, observers can be present during the gathering of evidence and the interviews of both complainants and those complained against, through either scheduled or surprise observations. Another measure implemented during the year to increase transparency was the addition of Video Interview facilities in all CAPO offices.

Civilian Staff

A civilian establishment of more than 6 000, belonging to 59 different grades, is deployed throughout the Police Force, representing about 17 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

The Police Force places great emphasis on improving the performance of individual officers to ensure they give good service to the public. Furthermore, it is also geared to improving the professional competency of officers to cope with increasing demands arising from the dynamic environment.

Most training is designed and conducted internally. All training and development programmes are reviewed regularly to ensure that they meet the changing needs of the community. To keep pace with the modernisation of the Police Force, computer- based training is being developed for teaching and learning activities.

Officers are selected to attend appropriate overseas and local courses to enrich their skills and knowledge to better serve the public. Assistance, including financial aid, is offered to officers undertaking job-related private studies.

Newly recruited constables and inspectors are required to attend 27-week and 36-week residential courses, respectively, at the Police Training School in Wong Chuk Hang. Recruits study criminal law, police and court procedure as well as current affairs. They are also instructed in the use of firearms, foot drill, physical fitness, self- defence, first aid, swimming and lifesaving.

The Continuation and Promotion Division provides development and promotion courses for both newly promoted and experienced junior police officers (JPOs). The division also trains newly recruited traffic wardens and provides traffic training to police officers of the junior and middle ranks.

The Higher Training Division is responsible for providing in-service management training for Inspectors, Chief Inspectors and Superintendents. A recent review of the

"