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Public Order | 299

The committee was also briefed on the work of the Task Force on Youth Drug Abuse, which was established in October 2007 under the chairmanship of the Secretary for Justice, and offered its views on the strategies in tackling the youth drug abuse problem.

District Fight Crime Committees (DFCCs) continued to play an important role in the battle against crime by monitoring the crime situation in districts and reflecting community concerns about law and order issues. They helped foster community awareness of crime prevention and encouraged community participation in combating crime through publicity programmes carried out in the districts.

To foster closer cooperation, the committee and DFCCs exchanged feedback regularly on the various issues they discussed. Committee members also took turns to attend DFCC meetings and functions. In November, the committee hosted a Fight Crime Reception for all DFCC members. The occasion provided an opportunity for members to exchange views on crime issues and on ways to combat crime.

Police Force

With the Hong Kong Police Force's strong commitment to maintaining law and order, Hong Kong continued to be one of the safest cities in the world for residents and visitors alike. The force also continued to build on partnership with law enforcement agencies elsewhere to tackle transnational crime threats.

During the year, the Police Force played a key role in providing a safe and secure environment for a number of major events in Hong Kong, including the visit by President Hu Jintao and a series of activities held to celebrate the 10th Anniversary of the Establishment of the Hong Kong Special Administraive Region (HKSAR), such as the equestrian event of 'Good Luck Beijing - HKSAR 10th Anniversary Cup'. Law and order and public safety prevailed at all of these events.

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At the end of the year, the Commissioner of Police published a Statement of Strategic Directions to outline his Strategic Action Plan for 2008-2010 which charts the future direction to be taken by the Police Force. The four strategic directions engaging the community, enhancing personal and professional qualities of force members, strengthening criminal intelligence gathering force-wide, and supporting frontline units. These are key management areas that will be crucial to the continued success of the force in fulfilling its vision of ensuring that Hong Kong remains one of the safest and most stable societies in the world.

At year-end, the Police Force had an establishment of about 27 500 police officers supported by more than 4 800 civilian staff and reinforced by some 3 800 volunteers serving in the Hong Kong Auxiliary Police Force. In 2007, 92 inspectors and 1 225 constables were appointed.

Hong Kong Auxiliary Police Force

The Hong Kong Auxiliary Police Force helps the regular force to manage crowds at large-scale events as well as pre-planned operations. In 2007, it also helped out at