ENG-2006 — Page 376

308 Public Order

young people, the committee was concerned at the problem of psychotropic substance abuse among youngsters. The committee suggested that the drug problem should be tackled at root through early prevention.

District Fight Crime Committees (DFCCs) continued to play an important role in the fight against crime by monitoring the crime situation in districts and reflecting community concerns on law and order issues. Through district-based fight crime publicity activities, DFCCs also helped foster community awareness regarding crime. prevention and encouraged community participation in combating crime.

To reinforce their close links, the committee and the DFCCs exchanged feedback. regularly on the various issues they discussed. Committee members also took turns to attend DFCC meetings and functions. In November, a Fight Crime Conference hosted by the committee and attended by DFCC members provided a useful forum for discussion on crime issues of public concern and exchange of views on ways to combat crime.

Police Force

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

During the year, Hong Kong remained one of the safest cities in the world, with the Police Force sparing no effort in combating violent crimes, triad activities and drug offences. The Police Force was also responsible for providing a safe and secure environment while maintaining law, order and public safety during the International Telecommunication Union TELECOM WORLD 2006 in December.

At year-end, the Police Force had an establishment of about 27 300 police officers supported by more than 4 700 civilian staff and reinforced by some 3 900 volunteers serving in the Hong Kong Auxiliary Police Force. In 2006, 56 inspectors and 1 130 constables were appointed.

Hong Kong Auxiliary Police Force

On a day-to-day basis, the Auxiliary Police Force supports its regular counterparts on crowd management at large-scale events and carries out pre-planned operations. It also assists in handling natural disasters and civil emergencies. In an internal security situation, the force will guard strategic and sensitive installations, and man command centres.

Crime

Reported crimes in 2006 totalled 81 125, an increase of 4.8 per cent compared to 77 437 in 2005. The crime rate stood at 1 183 cases per 100 000 population, a rise of 4.1 per cent compared to 1 137 in 2005. The increase in crimes was mainly due to the rise in thefts, deceptions and serious assaults.

During the year, the number of violent crimes increased to 14 847, a rise of 6.9 per cent compared to 13 890 in 2005. Robberies, woundings and serious assaults accounted for 65.1 per cent of total violent crimes in 2006.