ENG-2004 — Page 401

Public Order | 339

community. These included provision of full-time vocational training for suitable male prisoners; recruitment of volunteer part-time teachers to conduct language and computer classes for prisoners and assist in other areas of rehabilitation activities; and implementation of the Continuing Care Project whereby prisoners released under various supervision schemes would be referred to the Methodist Centre if found to be in need of and willing to receive counselling after completing the one-year statutory supervision period. In supporting these initiatives, the committee pointed out that more talented and experienced retirees in our community should be encouraged to serve as volunteer tutors under the vocational training programme. The committee was also informed of CSD's plan for various publicity activities in 2004-05, targeting four community groups including students, the general public, employers and the districts. The committee will continue to monitor the effectiveness of such campaigns.

Separately, the committee continued to monitor the progress of the Police Superintendents' Discretion Scheme, which enables a police officer of Superintendent or higher rank to caution, at his or her discretion, a young offender instead of initiating a criminal prosecution and, when necessary, refer the offender to the various bodies concerned for aftercare service. The committee was pleased to note that the scheme had been well accepted by the community as a proactive way to tackle problems associated with youth crime, and that it had offered an effective alternative to dealing with offending youngsters for whom education and guidance might be better than prosecution.

District Fight Crime Committees (DFCCs) continue to play an important role in the fight against crime. During the year, these committees monitored the crime. situation in districts and reflected community concerns on law and order issues. They helped foster community awareness regarding crime prevention and encouraged community participation in combating crime. They continued to launch district fight crime publicity campaigns with funding support from District Councils and other sponsorship.

To reinforce the close link between the committee and DFCCs, reports and feedback on the various issues discussed were exchanged through established channels. Committee members also took turns to attend DFCC meetings and functions. In November, members from all DFCCs participated in the Fight Crime Conference organised by the committee. The conference provided a useful forum for discussion of crime issues and exchange of views on ways to combat crime.

Police Force

The Hong Kong Police Force is responsible for protecting the public, preventing and detecting crime, maintaining law and order, ensuring smooth traffic operations and reducing the number of traffic accidents, as well as stamping out illegal immigration.

As at December 31, the Police Force had an establishment of 27 754 police. officers supported by more than 5 200 civilian staff and reinforced by some 4 500 volunteers serving in the Hong Kong Auxiliary Police Force.