ENG-2004 — Page 416

354 Public Order

Management Development Programme

Prominent Hong Kong business, academic, political and religious leaders were invited to discuss such issues as the economic and political development of the region, cross-border policing issues, the evolving terrorist threat and the Hong Kong Muslim community.

Community Relationship

The Police Band played at official events such as HKSAR Establishment Day, National Day and state dinners. During the year, the Band was invited to perform overseas, including the Shanghai Tourism Festival and the Opening Ceremony of the Guangzhou Office of the Hong Kong Tourism Board.

Partnership with Universities

Over the year, the Training Wing worked closely with universities notably on interpersonal communication skills and psychological competencies training. With the establishment of the Police College in 2005, there will be further and closer cooperation with universities in instructor training and foundation training.

International Award in e-learning

The e-learning package on 'Guidelines on Use of Firearms', produced by the Training Wing, won the Gold Award in the Custom Content category of the 2004 Brandon Hall Excellence in Learning Awards program. Brandon Hall.com is a leading US research and consulting corporation in e-learning. The Force was the first Hong Kong organisation to win the Gold Award in any category of the program.

Recruitment

There were 3 251 applications for Inspectorate post in 2004, compared with 2 414 in 2003. Of the 10 officers who were appointed as Inspectors, five were serving officers promoted from within the ranks. Recruitment at the Constable rank remained satisfactory with 85 recruits out of 5 961 applicants. New proactive measures were implemented through the Police Mentorship Programme and Auxiliary (Undergraduate) Scheme to recruit high calibre university graduates. Selection processes at Inspectorate and Constable ranks were also revamped in 2004, with preferred competences included.

Hong Kong Auxiliary Police Force

The establishment of the Hong Kong Auxiliary Police Force (HKAPF) stands at some 4 500. In an internal security situation, the HKAPF discharges duties to guard strategic and sensitive installations and to man command centers. They also act as a reserve to assist during natural disasters and civil emergencies. On a day-to-day basis, the HKAPF supports their regular counterparts at large-scale crowd management events and 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