ENG-2013 — Page 315

Chapter 15

Public Order

The law and order situation in Hong Kong improved further in 2013. The overall crime rate (number of crimes per 100,000 population) fell by 4.3 per cent while the violent crime rate fell by 5.6 per cent compared to 2012. The overall crime detection rate was 43.2 per cent. Hong Kong retained its position as one of the safest cities in the world.

Fight Crime Committee

The Fight Crime Committee (FCC), chaired by the Chief Secretary for Administration, provides advice and recommendations on the prevention and reduction of crime, co-ordinates crime- fighting efforts and monitors their results. In 2013, the FCC continued to monitor the overall crime situation, including the trend of various types of commercial crime, and the progress of the 'Police Superintendent's Discretion Scheme, an alternative to prosecution where young offenders are concerned. The FCC targeted deception, sexual assault, theft and drug abuse in its 2013 publicity strategy. The FCC also discussed the proposed 'RESCUE Drug Testing Scheme, intended as an additional measure to help identify drug abusers as early as possible and offer them assistance to stay away from drugs.

Working with the FCC, the District Fight Crime Committees (DFCCs) monitor the crime situation at district level and reflect community concerns about law and order issues. They help foster community awareness of crime prevention and encourage community participation in combating crime through publicity programmes in the districts.

To reinforce closer links with the DFCCs, FCC members took turns to attend DFCC meetings and functions to exchange views on topical crime issues and discuss ways to combat crime. In October, the FCC organised a reception for DFCC members to foster communication and discuss crime issues of public concern.

Police Force

Hong Kong remained one of the safest and the most stable cities in the world for residents and visitors. Day-to-day policing was handled through 23 police districts under five land regions and a marine region.

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