ENG-2003 — Page 379

PUBLIC ORDER

Ordinance, a change of identity. The unit also assists and advises other units and divisions in the Police Force on protection of witnesses who are under a lesser threat.

Child Protection

In 2003, the five Regional Child Abuse Investigation Units investigated a total of 104 child abuse cases (99 involving sexual abuse and five serious physical abuse). The figure decreased by 11.9 per cent compared with a total of 118 cases in 2002. To protect the welfare of children, a multi-disciplinary approach has been adopted in handling child abuse cases. Joint investigations have been conducted with officers of the Social Welfare Department (SWD) in cases that required immediate social work intervention.

Interviews of children are conducted in confidential and child-friendly video interview suites situated in non-police premises. These interview suites are equipped with advanced facilities for forensic examinations in a more caring environment. In 2003, the Police Force and the SWD jointly organised two basic training programmes including advanced programmes for trainers, police officers and SWD officers in special investigations relating to child abuse cases.

Officers from the Child Protection Policy Unit (CPPU) continued to give lectures on public education and to organise publicity programmes on the prevention and handling of child abuse cases for parents and concerned professionals from both the Government and non-governmental organisations.

The Prevention of Child Pornography Ordinance took effect on December 19, 2003. This ordinance further protects children from exploitation in the form of child pornography and child sex tourism. Although child pornography and child sex tourism are not widespread in Hong Kong, police officers will continue to be vigilant in guarding against such criminal activities.

In March, the Juvenile Offenders (Amendment) Bill 2001 was passed by the Legislative Council, raising the minimum age of criminal responsibility from seven to 10 years.

To strengthen support services for children or juveniles who come to the attention of the police due to non-law abiding behaviour, the Police Force and the SWD jointly introduced a 'Family Conference' arrangement in October. A ‘Family Conference' will be conducted for children or juveniles who are cautioned under the Police Superintendent's Discretion Scheme. It brings together family members of cautioned juveniles and professionals from relevant government departments and agencies to assess the youngsters' needs, and prepare a follow-up welfare plan for them. The SWD will make the decision on whether or not a 'Family Conference' is required.

In compliance with Article 37(d) of the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child that every child deprived of his or her liberty shall have the right to prompt access to legal and other appropriate assistance, the Legal Representation Scheme took effect on October 1. Under the scheme, free legal representation will be made available to children or juveniles involved in care or protection proceedings who are deprived of their liberty and detained in a place of refuge. The Administration has commissioned the Duty Lawyer Service to run the scheme.

Commercial Crime

The number of reports of syndicated and serious fraud handled by the Commercial Crime Bureau (CCB) during the year declined by 17.8 per cent (83 compared with 101

319