ENG-2006 — Page 383

Public Order | 315

The Force also continued to enhance its collaboration with law enforcement agencies on the Mainland and other jurisdictions through various training exchange programmes.

Occupational Safety and Health

A Police Force Safety Management System designed to ensure compliance with laws and regulations governing occupational safety and health matters was introduced in 2004. During the year, about 80 officers of Superintendent rank or above had received training in risk management and risk control to reduce the chances of accidents occurring that can cause physical harm to staff members. About 1 380 inspectorate officers and their civilian counterparts were also given training in predictive risk assessment and retrospective accident investigation.

The Force Safety Management System was further developed and improved through lessons learned during training courses conducted in 2006. The system, which meets internationally-recognised standards, won two Gold Awards presented at the Hong Kong Occupational Safety and Health Council Awards 2006 ceremony.

Service Quality

The Force continues to strengthen its service culture and professionalism to provide the community with an efficient, professional and cost-effective service.

Information and knowledge are key to a quality service. A knowledge management enhancement scheme was rolled out throughout the Police Force in May 2006 to provide it with a portal on the Internet, which all members of the Force can access to obtain useful information on subjects related to their work.

Complaints Against Police

The Complaints and Internal Investigations Branch, which is independent from other police departments, investigates public complaints against members of the Police Force. The investigations are monitored by the Independent Police Complaints Council (IPCC).

In 2006, the Complaints Against Police Office (CAPO) received 2 542 complaints, a decrease of 152 cases, or 5.6 per cent, compared to 2005. Decreases were recorded in all types of complaints. Complaint prevention awareness through education and other activities organised by the Complaints Prevention Committee will continue to be a priority.

During the year, the IPCC endorsed the investigation results of 2 114 complaint cases, involving 3 518 allegations. The substantiation rate of these investigated allegations was 9.9 per cent. Complaints of a minor or trivial nature were dealt with by informal resolution, a method adopted in 21 per cent of the complaints. Disciplinary action was taken against nine police officers as a result of public complaints.