ENG-2001 — Page 399

PUBLIC ORDER

of the Hong Kong Auxiliary Police Force. Such investigations are monitored by the Independent Police Complaints Council (IPCC), an independent body comprising leading members of the community appointed by the Chief Executive.

In 2001, the CAPO received 3 246 complaints, a decrease of 410 cases, or 11.2 per cent, compared with 2000. The majority of complaints were of neglect of duty, misconduct and improper manner. These accounted for 65.6 per cent of total complaints.

During the year, the IPCC endorsed the investigation results of 3 540 complaint cases, which involved 6 103 allegations. The rate of substantiation of complaint allegations that were fully investigated was 12 per cent; 38.6 per cent of the allegations were classified as withdrawn, not pursuable or curtailed. Complaints of a minor and trivial nature were dealt with by way of Informal Resolution, which was adopted in handling 24.4 per cent of the complaint allegations. A total of 14 police officers were subject to disciplinary action arising from complaints made by members. of the community.

As a further measure to promote the transparency and impartiality of the police complaints system, the number of IPCC Lay Observers, who could attend the CAPO's interviews with complainants and police officers, was increased to 59 in 2001.

Civilian Staff

A civilian establishment of more than 5 800 in 59 different grades is deployed throughout the Police Force, representing about 17 per cent of its total manpower. Civilian staff members play a vital role by performing a wide variety of functional duties to support police operations.

Training

Training is an essential and integral component in the development of a modern police force, to cope with the changing environment and demands of the public.

During the year, the Training Wing rigorously reviewed the quality of training for the force and promoted the well-established practice of lifelong learning. Multimedial technologies were developed to support the growing demand for continual training and learning at all levels of the force. Furthermore, officers were selected to attend appropriate overseas and local courses to enrich their skills and knowledge. Assistance, including financial aid, was offered to officers undertaking job-related private studies.

Newly recruited constables and inspectors are required to attend a 27-week and 36- week training course, respectively, at the Police Training School. The training programmes cover a range of subjects such as criminal law, police and court procedures, community awareness, communication skills, use of firearms, footdrill, physical fitness, first aid, swimming and lifesaving. Where appropriate, computer- based training is used to enhance training efficiency and effectiveness.

The Continuation and Promotion Division of the Police Training School provides development and promotion courses to in-service and newly promoted junior police officers. The division also trains newly recruited Traffic Wardens and provides traffic training to officers in the junior and middle ranks.

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