ENG-2002 — Page 390

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PUBLIC ORDER

the criteria of the particular scheme. Housing needs of soon-to-retire officers were catered for by the Civil Service Public Housing Quota system.

In 2002, five aged quarters sites comprising over 3 000 units were disposed of and replaced by four new Disciplined Services Quarters at Shun Lee, Lai King, West Kowloon and Sau Mau Ping.

Hong Kong Auxiliary Police Force

The establishment of the Hong Kong Auxiliary Police Force (HKAPF) stands at 4 500, with an actual strength of some 4 400 men and women at December 31.

The HKAPF has a focused role in internal security situations and as a reserve to assist in times of natural disasters or civil emergencies. On a day-to-day basis, it also supports regular officers in the performance of crowd management duties during major public events and in pre-planned operations.

Independent Police Complaints Council

The Independent Police Complaints Council (IPCC) is responsible for monitoring and reviewing the investigations of public complaints against the Police Force, which are carried out by the Complaints Against Police Office (CAPO). The IPCC is an independent body comprising members who are appointed by the Chief Executive. It has a chairman, three vice-chairmen and 14 other members. The Ombudsman or her representative serves as an ex officio member.

During the year, the IPCC endorsed the investigation results of 3 607 complaint cases, involving 6 213 allegations. The number of IPCC Lay Observers rose to 63 with the appointment of another seven Observers. The Lay Observers could attend CAPO interviews and site visits on a scheduled or surprise basis to ensure that investigations were conducted in a thorough and impartial manner. The second three-year publicity programme for the IPCC continued. Activities included talks at secondary schools, a Video Production Competition and production of a corporate video on the council's work.

To strengthen public confidence in the independence and impartiality of the IPCC, the Administration planned to introduce the Independent Police Complaints Council Bill into the Legislative Council. The bill will provide a statutory basis for the operation of the IPCC and define its function and powers in law. Public consultation on the essential elements of the proposed legislation was conducted in March and April.

Customs and Excise

The Customs and Excise Department is primarily responsible for the collection of revenue on dutiable goods and the prevention of its evasion, the suppression of narcotics trafficking and abuse of narcotic drugs, the prevention and detection of smuggling, and the protection of intellectual property rights. It has an establishment of 5 137.

The department also enforces legislation to protect consumer interests, safeguard and facilitate legitimate trade and industry, uphold Hong Kong's trading integrity and fulfil international obligations (See also Chapter 5).

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