The Hong Kong Police Force has operational responsibilities for protecting the public, preventing and detecting crime, maintaining law and order, reducing traffic accidents and maintaining smooth traffic flows and detecting illegal immigration.

The Police Force has an establishment of about 28 600 police officers, supported by 6 000 civilian staff and reinforced by 4 500 citizen volunteers serving in the Hong Kong Auxiliary Police Force.

During the year, the Police Force continued to reinforce its partnership with the community in the fight against crime. Some 13 000 community involvement projects were organised to enhance public awareness of the importance of fighting crime, crime prevention and road safety. These projects were well received by the public and attended by over 700 000 people.

Apart from fighting crime, the Police Force plays a vital role in many other operational areas including anti-illegal immigration duties, security assurance, and crowd management during festive occasions, public gatherings, processions and demonstrations.

A joint exercise to tackle cross-boundary illegal activities was held in April involving various divisions of the Police Force and the Guangdong Border Defence Bureau. This experience helped enhance cross-boundary liaison and communication between the force and Mainland authorities.

Reported crimes in 2000 totalled 77 245, an increase of 0.6 per cent when compared with 76 771 crimes recorded in 1999. The overall crime rate stood at 1 137 cases per 100 000 population, a decrease of 0.5 per cent when compared with 1 142 cases in 1999. The Hong Kong Special Administrative Region remained one of the most secure and stable cities in the world.

Violent crimes, including murder, wounding, serious assault, rape, indecent assault, kidnapping, blackmailing, criminal intimidation, robbery and arson, decreased to 14 812 cases. This represented a decrease of 5.7 per cent when compared with 15 705 cases in 1999. Robbery, wounding and serious assault accounted for 69.8 per cent of the total number of violent crimes in 2000.

There were 84 robberies involving the use of firearms — both genuine and pistol-like objects — an increase of 20 per cent when compared with 70 cases in 1999.

Regarding non-violent crimes, burglary (excluding aggravated burglary) decreased slightly from 9 125 cases in 1999 to 8 964 cases in 2000, a drop of 1.8 per cent. Theft, however, increased slightly from 29 046 cases in 1999 to 30 570 cases in 2000, an increase of 5.2 per cent. Deception cases rose from 3 423 to 3 986 over the same period, representing an increase of 16.4 per cent. Serious narcotics offences rose from 2 246 in 1999 to 2 312 in 2000, a modest increase of 2.9 per cent.

In all, 33 668 crimes, or 43.6 per cent of the total, were detected, an increase of 1.1 per cent when compared with the detection rate in 1999. The number of persons arrested for various criminal offences in 2000 was 40 930. Of those arrested, 6 229 were juvenile offenders (aged between seven and 15 years) and 6 465 were young persons (aged between 16 and 20 years).

While the total number of robberies decreased in 2000 when compared with 1999, the use of genuine firearms in robberies increased from five cases to eight. Firearms seizures also increased from 22 in 1999 to 29 in 2000, which was attributable to a number of successful police proactive operations and close co-operation between the Police Force and Mainland counterparts.

Vehicle theft rose moderately. In 2000, 2 804 motor vehicles were reported missing, a rise of 8.9 per cent when compared with 1999. The recovery rate was 54.3 per cent. While the number of luxury vehicles stolen remained more or less the same as in 1999, the number of container tractors stolen rose by 108 per cent. The number of stolen private cars also registered an increase of 3.5 per cent. Of these, the theft of jeeps and high performance vehicles increased significantly by 64.3 per cent and 33.8 per cent, respectively. The increase in the number of stolen vehicles is believed to be attributable to the vehicles being broken into parts for supply to the illicit local market. The strengthening of boundary control checks by Mainland authorities, coupled with strong local enforcement measures, has contained the surge.

The organised crime and triad situation remained stable as in previous years. Triads were involved mostly in extortion, loansharking, wounding, illegal gambling, prostitution and debt collection. There were 2 477 triad-related cases which represented only 3.2 per cent of the overall reported crime in 2000. The figure has been dropping in the past five years, the average of which was 3.9 per cent.

The number of crimes related to debt collecting decreased to 2 466, compared with 3 323 in 1999, after a major illegal cross-boundary debt collection/loanshark syndicate was neutralised with the assistance of Mainland authorities. Strategies and procedures for handling crimes related to debt collecting were streamlined to enhance their effectiveness.

During the year, 20 people were charged with offences under the Organised and Serious Crime Ordinance and $782,243 in crime proceeds was confiscated. A further $96 million was restrained pending court proceedings. Close liaison with Mainland authorities and overseas law enforcement agencies was maintained in the fight against international money laundering, resulting in the successful detection of a number of cases.

There were six successful applications for increasing the prison sentences passed on defendants involved in triad-related and organised crimes. On average, the length of sentence was increased by 30 per cent.

The Witness Protection Ordinance came into effect on November 9. The ordinance established the Witness Protection Programme, which is administered by the Police Witness Protection Unit. The unit provides a wide range of protective measures, including a change of identity, which are tailor-made to the needs of individual witnesses assessed as being exposed to a genuine physical risk.

In 2000, the five Regional Child Abuse Investigation Units (CAIU) investigated 113 cases — 101 of sexual abuse and 12 of physical abuse. Joint investigations were conducted with officers of the Social Welfare Department in cases that required immediate social work intervention.

Interviews of children take place in one of the five child-friendly video interview suites located in non-police premises. These suites have advanced facilities for forensic examinations.

In 2000, the Police Force and the department organised a joint training programme for 24 police and social welfare officers in special investigation matters relating to child protection. Officers from the Child Protection Policy Unit also gave lectures at public education and prevention programmes for parents and concerned professionals from governmental and non-governmental organisations.

The Child Protection Policy Unit maintains close liaison with overseas governmental and non-governmental organisations in exchanging information on combating the commercial exploitation of children. With a view to better protecting children in Hong Kong and overseas countries, the Administration plans to introduce two bills against child pornography and child sex tourism into the Legislative Council in 2001.

The level of serious fraud handled by the Commercial Crime Bureau (CCB) in terms of number of cases and financial losses over the year was similar to that of 1999. Serious fraud involving the use of letters of credit continued to stand out among other types of frauds as in the previous two years. In 1999, there was an upsurge in what is commonly known as 'Loco-London gold' frauds where prospective job seekers were enticed to enter deceptive or non-existent plans of investment in bullion trading. Strategic enforcement action taken with the assistance of front-line resources resulted in a substantial reduction of this type of fraud in 2000. The powers provided under the Organised and Serious Crime Ordinance were invoked to restrain around $13 million worth of assets pending the result of a court case. In another case, seven offenders were sentenced to imprisonment for up to four years. A further 63 suspected offenders are awaiting trial in other cases.

The counterfeiting of local currency and credit cards remained a concern. In spite of several high profile seizures of counterfeit local banknotes in mid-year while sums of money were being deposited at banks, the quantity of counterfeit currency that surfaced in business transactions remained very small by international standards. It did not pose a threat to the integrity of the local currency having regard to the amount of genuine currency in circulation. The CCB neutralised two rackets that produced small denominations of local banknotes by means of personal computer devices. While the incidence of counterfeit payment cards being used in local retail operations remained low compared with other major centres in the Asia-Pacific region, five counterfeit payment card encoding centres were neutralised during the year. Most of the account data used in producing the counterfeit cards originated from overseas countries.

Computer-related crimes increased by 20 per cent in 2000 after a nine-fold increase in 1998. However, the total number of cases remained small, having regard to the rapid growth in the use of computer technology and the Internet. Almost 75 per cent of the cases fell within the category that is commonly known as 'hacking'. Additional resources will be provided to enhance the Police Force's enforcement capability in handling the investigation of computer-related crimes and to further develop expertise in computer forensic investigation. There is close liaison with industry and other law enforcement agencies in combating computer crime. An inter-departmental working group, chaired by the Security Bureau and comprising members from other bureaux and law enforcement agencies, studied various areas related to computer crime during the year. Its report was released for public consultation in December.

In 2000, the preferences of adult and younger drug abusers had clearly diverged. While heroin remained by far the drug most commonly abused by adults, psychotropic substances such as MDMA (methylenedioxymethylamphetamine, commonly called 'ecstasy') became the drug most commonly taken by younger abusers. Also of significance was the emergence of ketamine as a substance of abuse among some younger members of society. As a consequence, ketamine was reclassified from a Part I Poison to a dangerous drug in December.

The burgeoning 'dance party' scene and the abuse of psychotropic substances such as MDMA and ketamine by a section of party-goers presented a new challenge to the Police Force during the year. A new enforcement strategy was adopted to counter the threat in respect of psychotropic substances and the situation was effectively brought under control.

Action against narcotics drug trafficking and abuse saw 16 heroin attenuation centres dismantled and 339.3 kilograms of heroin seized in 2000. In respect of psychotropic substances, enforcement action resulted in the seizure of 378 621 MDMA tablets, 226.7 kilograms of herbal cannabis, 87.6 kilograms of methylamphetamine ('ice') and 15.3 kilograms of ketamine. A total of 10 139 persons were arrested for drug offences during 2000, compared with 8 733 in 1999.

Financial investigations to recover the proceeds of drug trafficking resulted in $62.8 million being confiscated by the courts and $65.9 million being paid to the Government to fulfil outstanding confiscation orders. Furthermore, $19 million was restrained pending confiscation.

The Narcotics Bureau of Police Headquarters was restructured and streamlined during the year and is now better equipped to run intelligence-led operations and respond to the challenges posed by the fluid illicit drug situation. The Narcotics Bureau maintained close liaison with Mainland authorities in order to detect cross-boundary trafficking, resulting in six successful operations, the seizure of 359.1 kilograms of heroin, 300 kilograms of 'ice', and 19 arrests. In the international arena, close liaison with counterparts from Australia, Canada, Germany, Malaysia, Fiji and the United States to disrupt international drug trafficking continued to produce good results. International co-operation resulted in several successful operations resulting in the seizure of 756.04 kilograms of heroin, 114 kilograms of 'ice', 30 kilograms of amphetamine, 17 kilograms of 'ecstasy' and 19 arrests.

The Crime Prevention Bureau continued to provide a public advisory service on crime prevention. It conducted 25 805 security surveys for both the public and private sectors during the year.

The bureau also provided an educational service to the public through campaigns and seminars, provision of call-fax and web-page services and the deployment of the Robotcop and the crime prevention bus in various districts.

The Criminal Records Bureau maintains criminal records on people convicted of crime in the HKSAR. In 2000, 90 530 new conviction records were filed.

The bureau indexes information on wanted or missing persons, and outstanding warrants of arrest. This information is available to Police Force members through the Enhanced Police Operational Nominal Index Computer System (EPONICS) that the bureau maintains round-the -clock. Other records and indices maintained in the bureau include missing vehicles, a computerised suspect album library which assists victims and witnesses in identifying suspects, an index of crime information sent to the Police Force by members of the public and a system that can provide a means of identifying perpetrators of crime by their modus operandi.

The Forensic Firearms Examination Bureau continues to play an important role in the investigation of firearms-related crimes by providing advance scientific services to the Police Force and other disciplined services departments. In the beginning of the year, the bureau was accredited by the American Society of Crime Laboratory Directors (ASCLD), and is now ranked in equal status with forensic laboratories overseas, for example, the FBI Laboratory in the United States.

Good working relationships are maintained with Macau and other regional forensic laboratories in the investigation of cross-boundary crimes.

The bureau's scanning electron microscope and the computerised bullet and cartridge identification system remain the most advanced pieces of equipment used in the region in solving firearms-related crimes.

The Identification Bureau plays a significant role in the investigation and detection of crimes through gathering of fingerprint evidence from crime scenes and subsequent fingerprint identification.

The Scenes of Crime Section provides a 24-hour response to crime scenes for fingerprint examination. In addition to a variety of powdering methods currently used by scenes of crime specialists, the section employs chemical techniques to augment its detection capability. During the year, the scenes of crime operational officers examined 16 470 crime scenes, 89 per cent of which were attended within 45 minutes, recovering fingerprint evidence in 12 368 cases. The Advanced Technology Section, which employs the latest laboratory techniques and instruments to find fingerprints and palmprints on exhibits, identified 482 persons for 2 912 cases.

The Computer Assisted Fingerprint Identification System, one of the most advanced fingerprint search systems, has greatly enhanced the effectiveness and efficiency of fingerprint searching in the bureau. In 2000, the computer system made 229 148 fingerprint searches, which established the criminal history of 60 315 individuals, and identified 719 fingerprints obtained from evidence and crime scenes. Nevertheless, manual search methods are still employed in identification work. During the year, 1 009 fingerprint and palmprints of named suspects were identified by such methods.

In 2000, officers of the Photographic Section attended 4 053 crime scenes, producing 84 330 monochrome photographs and 1 069 654 colour prints and slides. Special forensic photographic services such as infrared, ultraviolet and laser photography, video crime scene re-enactment and printing of photographs from bank surveillance films and video tapes are available upon demand to police units and other government departments which have such a special need.

The Liaison Bureau acts as a co-ordination centre in dealing with all police-related inquiries from overseas police organisations and local consulate officials.

The bureau's Liaison Division is responsible for liaison with Mainland police authorities. Close liaison has been maintained with the Interpol China National Central Bureau in Beijing, the Guangdong Liaison Office, the Shenzhen and Zhuhai Liaison Sub-Offices of Guangdong and other Mainland law enforcement organisations. Since 1990, 176 criminal fugitives and 163 stolen vehicles have been returned to Hong Kong from the Mainland.

The Interpol Division represents the Police Force in the International Criminal Police Organisation (ICPO), better known as Interpol, as a sub-bureau of the China National Central Bureau. A Hong Kong police officer is seconded to the ICPO General Secretariat in Lyon, France, to work in one of its specialised groups. An officer is also attached to the Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office in Sydney, Australia, to enhance international co-operation in combating crime.

During the year, eight companies with a total of 1 360 officers were trained at the Police Tactical Unit Headquarters, equipping them for deployment to the five Land Regions to undertake a wide range of duties including anti-crime patrols, anti-illegal immigration operations, security assurance, and crowd management during festive occasions, public gatherings, processions and demonstrations. PTU officers played a vital role in the successful policing of the millennium events, which attracted large crowds.

To further enhance the capability of the unit in handling protest groups, which have become highly organised and internationally mobile, PTU training staff visited Malaysia, Australia, the United States, Japan and South Africa to exchange ideas and experience in crowd management methods, defensive tactics and equipment.

The Special Duties Unit (SDU), which is one of the key units in the Police Force's counter-terrorist response, continued to maintain close links with similar units overseas.

The Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) Bureau is responsible for all bomb disposal work in the HKSAR, both on dry land and underwater.

During the year, the bureau rendered safe and disposed of a variety of explosive items ranging from unexploded military ordnance, including World War II aircraft bombs unearthed on construction sites, to pyrotechnics and criminal home-made bombs.

One major operation was the controlled destruction of some 1 000 kilograms of unstable high explosives that had been seized in past criminal cases. In an extensive operation over three days, Bomb Disposal Officers from both the permanent EOD establishment and the volunteer EOD cadre safely destroyed the explosives in some 40 controlled explosions.

In addition, the bureau made a concerted effort to ensure that the Police Force complied with the provisions of the Occupational Safety and Health Ordinance regarding the safe use, storage and transport of ammunition.

The number of illegal immigrants (IIs) from the Mainland has seen a downward trend since 1993. In 2000, a total of 7 631 IIs were arrested by the police, an average of 21 per day, representing a decrease of 28 per cent when compared with 10 544 in 1999. Of these, 42 per cent claimed to have entered Hong Kong by sea and the remaining 58 per cent crossed the land boundary.

Close liaison has been maintained with the Guangdong Border Defence Bureau and this included exchange of intelligence and regular liaison meetings. These have proved to be effective in combating illegal immigration. A new device to improve the detection of IIs hiding underneath cross-boundary container lorries has been put in place.

During the year, 578 Vietnamese illegal immigrants (VIIs) were arrested, representing a decrease of 39 per cent when compared with 941 arrests in 1999. The Police Force provided escorts on four occasions under the Orderly Repatriation Programme for the repatriation of 560 VIIs to Vietnam.

The Government announced on February 22 the implementation of a Widened Local Resettlement Scheme to allow some 1 400 Vietnamese refugees and migrants to apply for settlement in Hong Kong. As an integral measure under the scheme, the Pillar Point Vietnamese Refugees Centre in Tuen Mun was closed on May 31.

There are 133 dogs in the Police Dog Unit, comprising general patrol dogs and 'sniffer' dogs. The unit has the responsibility of ensuring that all dogs and handlers are professionally trained and their skills are maintained at a high level of proficiency. The unit also provides training to drug detection dogs from the Customs and Excise Department.

Specialist 'sniffer' dogs are stationed at the Hong Kong International Airport to provide a round-the-clock response for search operations. The unit's explosives detection dogs also play a key role in security operations undertaken by the Police Force.

Reducing traffic accidents and maintaining a smooth traffic flow are two main functions of the Traffic Police. These objectives are achieved by taking stringent enforcement action concerning offences that are leading factors in causing accidents; prompt investigation of traffic accidents to identify preventable causes; promotion of road safety awareness in conjunction with working partners including schools, trade associations, the mass media, and government bureaux and departments.

Several new pieces of road safety legislation were enacted during the year. These included banning the use of hand-held mobile phones when driving and imposing restrictions on newly qualified motorcyclists. In addition, the capability of the Traffic Police to combat irresponsible driving behaviour was enhanced by the acquisition of 340 additional alcohol screening devices and six 'in-car' video systems.

There were 14 949 traffic accidents involving casualties in 2000, representing an increase of 1.6 per cent compared with 1999. The number of fixed penalty tickets for moving offences fell by 1 per cent compared with 1999. Police officers and traffic wardens issued 838 288 tickets for parking offences during the year, a decrease of 6.3 per cent.

Since the enactment of the Security and Guarding Service Ordinance in December 1994 to replace the Watchman Ordinance, and its full operation on June 1, 1996, more than 180 000 Security Personnel Permits have been issued. A Security Personnel Permit is valid for five years. The first round of renewal commenced in July, and it will continue. In order to provide a better and more efficient service to applicants, a new computer system, which supports the processing of Security Personnel Permits, was put into operation in September.

The Firearms and Ammunition (Amendment) Ordinance 2000 was enacted in March. It tightens the control and safety requirements for the possession and use of arms and ammunition for recreational and sporting purposes. The majority of the amendments have been implemented in 2000, in phases. Among other changes, the amendment ordinance sets a higher standard for arms instructors, management of shooting ranges and control of people who may have access to arms and ammunition. The changes represent a step forward in safeguarding public safety while facilitating legitimate possession of arms and ammunition.

Upon completion of a four-month consultancy study to review the operation of the Massage Establishments Ordinance and related regulatory activities, most of the service improvement recommendations have been implemented. Legislative amendments are scheduled for introduction into the Legislative Council in 2001.

Combating seaborne illegal immigration remained one of Marine Region's priority tasks although the number of IIs has been on a decline when compared with past years. During the year, 390 illegal immigrants, including 46 Vietnamese IIs, were arrested. From September, syndicates were found to be using high-speed sampans to convey female IIs from the Mainland into Hong Kong for the purpose of prostitution. In this connection, the Marine Region arrested 27 female IIs and 10 people aiding and abetting IIs. Six vessels were seized.

A considerable number of Mainland trading vessels (MTVs) have attempted to enter Hong Kong without proper clearance to purchase diesel fuel for smuggling. In countering this illicit activity, the Marine Region refused entry to 3 377 MTVs. During the year, 35 fast moving targets, suspected to be vessels involved in smuggling, were recorded. The total value of goods seized from smugglers amounted to $91.2 million.

Six additional new high-speed inshore patrol craft joined the Marine Police fleet between February and July. In June, a contract was awarded for replacing six Damen MK I patrol launches. A refurbished Command and Control Centre went 'live' in October as part of an ongoing communications replacement project which saw the commissioning of a new digital network.

The Police Public Relations Branch (PPRB) plays a prominent role in explaining the work of the Police Force and maintaining good relations with the public with a view to enlisting their support in the fight against crime.

Police Community Relations Officers and Neighbourhood Police Co-ordinators in police districts liaise regularly with their local communities to explain police policies and priorities while School Liaison Officers give lectures to students on prevention of youth crime.

The Junior Police Call (JPC) scheme helps instil respect for the law among the younger generation and guide them towards a healthy and meaningful life. Apart from organising a wide range of activities for young people, the Police Force, in conjunction with Radio Television Hong Kong (RTHK), produces a weekly radio programme, Voice of JPC, to provide a forum for spreading crime prevention messages and promoting youth activities. At the end of 2000, JPC membership exceeded 160 000.

The Police Force and RTHK also jointly produce two weekly television programmes, Police Magazine (a 30-minute Chinese programme) and Police Report (a five-minute English programme) which appeal to the public for information on crime cases and arouse awareness of prevalent crime trends.

The Good Citizen Award Scheme and the Good Citizen of the Year Award Scheme, which were introduced in 1973 and 1984 respectively, are jointly administered by the Police Force and the Hong Kong General Chamber of Commerce. The schemes have so far given recognition to a total of 2 906 civic-minded citizens.

In 2000, the Police Force received a large number of calls on its hotlines and on Crime Information Forms reporting crime intelligence. Among them, the information given in 401 calls (excluding those to emergency hotline 999) and on 2 246 forms led to positive results and arrests.

The revamped police Internet home page attracted over 20 000 visitors during the year. The bilingual home page provides information on the Police Force, including its history and organisation.

The PPRB is also responsible for issuing permits related to film production when use of simulated uniforms or modified firearms and blank ammunition is involved. It also serves as a link between the film industry and police formations and plays a liaison role with other government departments.

Information on crime, police action and activities is disseminated to news organisations, both local and overseas, through the PPRB. Officers seconded from the Information Services Department (ISD) provide round-the-clock services to the media. During the year, they handled 220 482 media enquiries, organised 454 press conferences and briefings, attended 302 scenes of incidents to assist media coverage and issued 3 856 press releases.

The Police Force's full-colour fortnightly newspaper, OffBeat, and its home page on the Internet continued to provide information on police events, personnel and activities to force members, the media and the public. With the assistance of ISD staff, the Police Force also carried out fight crime publicity campaigns to spread relevant messages among the public.

Funding for the construction of a modern state-of-the art Police Headquarters complex on the old May House site was approved by the Finance Committee of the Legislative Council in April. The complex will incorporate the new Wan Chai District and Divisional Police Station as well as other supporting facilities. It will also house various headquarters units that are currently accommodated in Caine House and other units located in leased premises. Construction work commenced in November and the complex is scheduled for completion in April 2004.

Following the successful pilot refurbishment of three police stations in North Point, Sau Mau Ping and Sha Tin - which substantially enhanced the public interface areas and reinforced the Police Force's corporate image through the use of standardised colours, finishes and furnishings - a comprehensive Police Station Improvement Programme is under way. A total of 59 police stations and operational bases are being improved, with 32 expected to be completed by March 2001, and the remainder in 2002. At the same time, a force-wide interfaced police station security system is being installed which provides the most modern technology and also makes significant savings in manpower.

Planning for the construction of a divisional police station at Tai Kok Tsui is continuing. Upon completion, Mong Kok District will expand to two divisions to enhance policing in the West Kowloon Reclamation area. Adjacent to the Tai Kok Tsui Police Station, a new Kowloon West Regional Headquarters cum Operational Base is being planned in order to improve the efficiency of various operational units that are currently housed at different locations and to provide a better service to the public. A similar New Territories South Regional Headquarters and Operational Base, to be located in Tsuen Wan, is also under planning.

The construction of the Tactical Training Complex at the Police Training School in Wong Chuk Hang is making good progress. This training facility will become operational in May 2001.

A new Disciplined Services Sports and Recreation Club at So Kun Po will be open for use by the seven disciplined services in early 2001.

Operating over 2 500 vehicles, the Police Force is keenly aware of the need to move towards the deployment of environmentally friendly vehicles. The force and the Government Land Transport Administrator are working together to identify vehicles that can run on alternative fuel and still enable operational commitments to be fulfilled. The Police Force is also continuously examining its Occupational Safety and Health responsibilities with a view to improving and modifying its vehicles to ensure a safer working environment. Meanwhile, the Transport Management Information System 2 is being enhanced in phases to take advantage of the fleet management opportunities offered by increased computerisation.

The phased implementation of the Marine Police Communications System, which has data transmission and positioning graphics capability, commenced in October. The anti-illegal immigrant video surveillance system in the vicinity of the Hong Kong Wetland Park, Tin Shui Wai, was installed and commissioned during the year.

Upgrading of the facilities in the three Police 999 Emergency Call Centre continued. With the introduction of a caller address display function, callers can be assured of even faster response times particularly if, for some reason, they are unable to articulate where they are.

Design of a third generation Command and Control System has progressed satisfactorily. The system will employ sophisticated and advanced communications technology, integrating voice and data transmission, and is targeted to go fully 'live' by the summer of 2005.

All Hong Kong Police computer systems were thoroughly examined to ensure Year 2000 compliance and functioned normally beyond the end of the millennium.

In April, implementation commenced on the Police Force's second Information Systems Strategic Plan. A total of 22 computer projects are involved and are necessary so that the Police Force's strategic goals and the delivery of its law enforcement programmes are adequately supported for the next five years and beyond.

The implementation of the Government Office Automation scheme was completed within the force and an extension programme is under way. This will further enhance the Police Force's efficiency and effectiveness, and the quality of service that it offers.

During the year, the Police Force embarked on a number of new quality initiatives. A major review of the performance measurement system is under way. The purposes of the review are to ensure that the system aligns and integrates with other government systems, and to enhance the quality of management and delivery of services.

The implementation of 'Knowledge Management' involves the use of the networked terminals to communicate, store and share knowledge across the force. This easy and inexpensive communication mode will have benefits for all staff with access to terminals.

With extensive force-wide consultation, the Police Force is developing an Internal Communication Strategy to identify and address barriers to effective communication. A customised Internal Communications Handbook was introduced to the Superintendent cadre through a series of workshops in order to simplify and streamline internal communications. In addition, the Police Force continues to build on the integrated Survey Strategy and the Living-the-Values programme, both of which provide senior management with valuable feedback on a variety of issues.

The Complaints Against Police Office (CAPO) investigates or co-ordinates the investigation of all complaints from the public on the conduct and behaviour of force members. Such investigations are monitored by the Independent Police Complaints Council (IPCC), an independent body comprising non-official members appointed by the Chief Executive.

There were 3 673 complaints received during 2000, an increase of 590 cases, or 19.1 per cent, when compared with 1999. Over 99 per cent of the complaints were made by people who were either involved in, or subject to, the exercising of constabulary functions by the Police Force. Complaints of neglect of duty, misconduct and improper manner, accounted for 61.4 per cent of total complaints.

During the year, 3 548 investigations were endorsed by the IPCC. The rate of substantiation for complaints that were fully investigated (as opposed to complaints of a minor and trivial nature which were consensually dealt with by way of Informal Resolution) was 13.8 per cent. A total of 1 404 cases were classified as withdrawn or not pursuable, which represented 39.6 per cent of the total. Informal Resolution was adopted in 1 053 cases or 29.7 per cent of all complaints. A total of 48 police officers were subject to disciplinary action arising from complaints made by members of the community.

The Police Force is committed to enhancing the transparency and fairness of the complaint system. To this end, much emphasis was put on further expansion of the IPCC Lay Observer Scheme, which commenced in 1999. Under the scheme, observers can be present during the gathering of evidence and the interviews of both complainants and those complained against, through either scheduled or surprise observations. Another measure implemented during the year to increase transparency was the addition of Video Interview facilities in all CAPO offices.

A civilian establishment of more than 6 000, belonging to 59 different grades, is deployed throughout the Police Force, representing about 17 per cent of its total manpower. Civilian staff play a vital role by performing a wide variety of functional duties to support police operations.

The Police Force places great emphasis on improving the performance of individual officers to ensure they give good service to the public. Furthermore, it is also geared to improving the professional competency of officers to cope with increasing demands arising from the dynamic environment.

Most training is designed and conducted internally. All training and development programmes are reviewed regularly to ensure that they meet the changing needs of the community. To keep pace with the modernisation of the Police Force, computer-based training is being developed for teaching and learning activities.

Officers are selected to attend appropriate overseas and local courses to enrich their skills and knowledge to better serve the public. Assistance, including financial aid, is offered to officers undertaking job-related private studies.

Newly recruited constables and inspectors are required to attend 27-week and 36-week residential courses, respectively, at the Police Training School in Wong Chuk Hang. Recruits study criminal law, police and court procedure as well as current affairs. They are also instructed in the use of firearms, foot drill, physical fitness, self-defence, first aid, swimming and lifesaving.

The Continuation and Promotion Division provides development and promotion courses for both newly promoted and experienced junior police officers (JPOs). The division also trains newly recruited traffic wardens and provides traffic training to police officers of the junior and middle ranks.

The Higher Training Division is responsible for providing in-service management training for Inspectors, Chief Inspectors and Superintendents. A recent review of the Superintendent's course has led to the recommendation that a modular system be introduced. This will increase flexibility in the delivery of training.

In support of the Force Values and to develop a more customer-oriented service approach, the Training Development Bureau launched a series of Service Improvement Training courses for front-line officers. In alignment with the Government's language policy to develop a biliterate and trilingual civil service, the Training Development Bureau, in liaison with the Civil Service Training and Development Institute, has tailor-made functional English and Putonghua courses to enhance the language abilities of police officers.

The Weapon Training Division is responsible for conducting international-standard firearms and tactics training. All the training programmes in the Police Force are designed on the basis of practicality, realism and interaction, which is in line with international best practices.

The Detective Training School provides a variety of specialist training to officers engaged in criminal investigation. Plans are being pursued to relocate the Detective Training School to the Police Training School, where the training environment and supporting facilities are more ideal.

The Police Driving School provides training to police drivers on a wide range of motor vehicles. The school has a customer-oriented policy and staff members are committed to continuous improvement in the quality of training, to better meet both logistics and operational driving needs.

The Information Technology Training Centre updates and trains officers in the use of nine major Force Systems. It also provides and organises other high quality computer courses for force members. The centre's role has become more important with the implementation and development of a wide range of information technology systems within the Police Force.

The Auxiliary Training Division conducts training for auxiliary police officers. The training includes recruit constable courses, annual camps, promotion courses, on-the-job training, and courses in law and procedure.

There were 1 640 applications for Inspectorate posts in 2000, compared with 2 215 in 1999. Of the 25 officers who were appointed as Inspectors, five were serving officers promoted from within the ranks. Recruitment at the constable rank remained satisfactory with 254 recruits out of 7 773 applicants.

In 2000, three officers were awarded the Hong Kong Police Medal for Distinguished Service and 26 officers received the Hong Kong Police Medal for Meritorious Service.

In recognition of their long and loyal service, 1 335 officers were awarded the Hong Kong Police Long Service Medal after 18 years of continuous police service, 1 141 officers the 1st Clasp to the medal after 25 years' service, 316 officers the 2nd Clasp to the medal after 30 years' service, and 277 officers the 3rd Clasp to the medal after 33 years' service. Among the civilians, one officer was awarded the Medal of Honour, one received the Chief Executive's Commendation for Government Service and 171 officers were awarded the Long and Meritorious Service Certificate. Furthermore, 294 officers and 22 civilians received the Long Service Travel Award.

In 2000, five officers were promoted to the rank of Senior Superintendent and above, 14 Chief Inspectors to Superintendent, 20 Senior Inspectors to Chief Inspector, five Station Sergeants to Inspector, 52 Sergeants to Station Sergeant and 182 Police Constables to Sergeant. Within the civilian grades, 14 general grade, one common grade and 15 departmental grade officers were promoted.

During the year, 627 disciplined officers left the Police Force. Among them, 32 were invalidated out, 118 resigned, one was transferred to other departments, and 38 were either dismissed or had their service terminated. Likewise, 180 general grade, 54 common grade and 21 departmental grade civilian staff left the force.

The Personnel Services Branch provides a wide range of support services in the areas of personal and family welfare, sickness, financial protection, bursaries and scholarships for children, psychological consultations, assistance with retirement, sport and recreation, catering and the allocation and maintenance of departmental quarters. The major sources of funding for most welfare activities in the force are the Police Welfare Fund, the Police Children's Education Trust and the Police Education and Welfare Trust, which derive their income mainly from public donations.

Two voluntary group life and permanent disability insurance schemes — the Central Fund and the Family Protection Fund — have also been made available to enhance protection for all staff.

Welfare staff conducted 4 521 casework interviews and 6 582 visits to officers in hospital or at their homes for welfare support. The casework services are supplemented by group work and family life education programmes.

The Police Healthy Lifestyle Working Committee continues to promote activities on financial prudence, physical and mental well-being. Officers are encouraged to establish a smoke-free workplace and to take part in sport, building up a habit of regular exercise. Elite players have been selected for international competitions, such as the World Police and Fire Games and the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macau Police and Security Forces Sports Exchange.

On the recreation side, holiday homes and hotels with a wide range of facilities are made available to Police Force members.

Psychological services are provided to help officers deal with various stress-related problems. Training in stress management is provided to officers of different levels, and a new office on Hong Kong Island, with improved client facilities, opened in October.

Catering services in the Police Force are provided by contract food suppliers. The Police Catering Division provides catering support at major crowd control and emergency situations. It also plays an important role in the introduction of modern catering practices and maintenance of high standards of hygiene at police canteens.

The Police Quartering Division allocates and manages 12 484 Departmental Quarters, including 11 643 for JPOs, 633 for Inspectorate officers and 208 operational/post-tied quarters. The division has been fully computerised since May to achieve efficiency; effectiveness and economy. In 2001, 3 000 new JPO departmental quarters at Shun Lee, Kwun Tong, West Kowloon Reclamation area and Lai King are scheduled to be completed in phases. These new quarters will replace sub-standard old quarters at Tin Kwong Road, Queen's Hill, Wong Tai Sin, Cheung Sha Wan and Kennedy Town, which will be returned to Government for redevelopment.

The Hong Kong Auxiliary Police Force (HKAPF) comprises volunteers from all walks of life and has a proud history dating from its establishment in 1914.

Following a comprehensive review of the HKAPF in 1999, some changes have been made to its role and organisation as well as in the deployment of auxiliary officers.

The HKAPF's role had been redefined as a trained manpower reserve to support the regular Police Force, with an internal security role of protecting key points and consular premises and providing staff for command and control centres and station defence. The HKAPF is a reserve to assist in times of natural disasters or civil emergency and to support the regular Police Force in crowd management duties during major public events and festivals and in other operations. Auxiliary Police officers are deployed to police formations throughout the HKSAR in numbers proportional to the establishment of regular officers.