ENG-2007 — Page 364

308 Public Order

compared to 2 511 in 2006. During the year, IPCC endorsed the investigation results of 2 509 complaints, involving 4 341 allegations. Complaints of a trivial nature are dealt with by informal resolution, a method used in dealing with 21 per cent of the complaints. Disciplinary action was taken against 10 police officers as a result of public complaints.

In 2007, 110 continued to coordinate various anti-corruption initiatives within the force. Corruption-related complaints against police officers were at a historic low in 2007, accounting for nine per cent of corruption complaints for the whole of Hong Kong.

In 2007, the Complaints Prevention Committee organised a contest called 'Complaints Prevention Lyric Writing and Song Composing Contest'. Similar campaigns to promote awareness of complaint prevention will continue to be held.

Independent Police Complaints Council (IPCC)

IPCC is responsible for monitoring and reviewing investigations carried out by CAPO into public complaints against members of the Police Force. The council is an independent body comprising members appointed by the Chief Executive. To enhance public confidence in the police complaints system, the Government introduced the Independent Police Complaints Council Bill into the Legislative Council in July to turn the existing IPCC into a statutory body.

The council had 70 lay observers as at year-end. They attend CAPO interviews and site visits on a scheduled or unannounced basis to ensure that investigations are conducted in a fair and impartial manner.

Customs and Excise

The Customs and Excise Department is primarily responsible for the collection of revenue on dutiable goods, prevention of duty evasion, suppression of drug trafficking and abuse, prevention and detection of smuggling of contraband, and protection of intellectual property rights. The department also enforces legislation to protect consumer interests, safeguard and facilitate legitimate trade and industry, uphold Hong Kong's trading integrity and fulfil relevant international obligations. At year-end, it had an establishment of about 5 600 staff. (See also Chapter 5).

Revenue Collection

The department is responsible for the collection of excise duties derived from dutiable commodities stipulated in the Dutiable Commodities Ordinance, namely liquor, tobacco, hydrocarbon oil and methyl alcohol. During the financial year 2006-07, the excise duties collected amounted to $7.02 billion, of which 47.3 per cent was from hydrocarbon oil, 39.4 per cent from tobacco, 13.2 per cent from liquor and 0.1 per cent from methyl alcohol, representing a total increase of 9.3 per cent over 2005-06.

The department also assesses the taxable values of motor vehicles under the Motor Vehicles (First Registration Tax) Ordinance for the purpose of levying first. registration tax. In 2007, the department registered 74 motor traders, assessed the