ENG-2000 — Page 389

PUBLIC ORDER

applications. The improved infrastructure has greatly enhanced communication among individual officers through the use of the computer network. More terminals will be added in the coming years.

In an attempt to combat cyber crime, the department has set up a Computer Analysis and Response Team comprising officers who are well trained in computer forensics. This team will help front-line enforcement officers in collecting digital evidence at the scene of crime. The department has also endeavoured to enhance Customs officers' knowledge in computer forensics. A thematic group has been formed to facilitate sharing of case experiences and transfer of skills.

Performance Pledges

The department's seventh set of performance pledges was published, together with the department's vision, mission and value statements. These reinforce the department's commitment to quality service. For better public accountability, the department regularly reviews the quality of its services with four customer liaison groups connected with the air freight, sea freight, land-boundary transport and dutiable commodities trades. A home page was set up to provide comprehensive information about the department to the public through the Internet.

Independent Commission Against Corruption

The Independent Commission Against Corruption (ICAC) is independent of the Civil Service and its Commissioner is directly responsible to the Chief Executive. During the year, the ICAC continued its three-pronged attack on corruption through investigation, prevention and education.

In addition to strict law enforcement, the commission also endeavoured to enhance social ethics and promote best practices in various trades and government departments, and to give them prompt and tailor-made advice on corruption prevention measures.

During the year, a number of corruption-related cases involving civil servants and, separately, malpractices at construction sites aroused public concern. To address the problems in these two sectors, the ICAC put emphasis on new and continuing corruption prevention and education programmes carried out jointly with the Civil Service Bureau, the Housing Authority and the construction industry.

In February, the Elections (Corrupt and Illegal Conduct) Ordinance was enacted to replace the Corrupt and Illegal Practices Ordinance. The new legislation, enforced by the ICAC, provides for a wider scope of application and more precise definitions in election matters, with the aim of ensuring clean and fair elections.

Corruption Situation

The number of corruption reports received by the ICAC (excluding election-related reports) rose from 3 561 in 1999 to 4 390 in 2000. Of them, 1 732 were against civil servants, an increase of 20 per cent. There were 2 402 reports concerning the private sector, a rise of 26 per cent. Reports against public bodies stood at 256, an increase of 21 per cent. A total of 3 140 corruption reports were pursuable.

The Legislative Council election held on September 10 drew 108 reports alleging corrupt and illegal practices. Of these, 97 were pursuable.

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