[ Mainpage ]   [ ¤¤¤å ]

 
'We will continue to ensure that Hong Kong remains
one of the safest cities in the world.'
Foreword

      A strong visible Police presence coupled with a fast, effective response to emergencies and major incidents contributed directly to the stable crime situation seen in Hong Kong during 2001. The Force's new year objective to maintain a low crime environment in Hong Kong proved successful last year, when despite the ongoing economic downturn, the HKSAR witnessed a general decline in most categories of crime. With overall crime down by an encouraging 5.5 per cent and violent crime dropping to its lowest levels in 27 years, the overall picture was generally very positive.

      However, some specific areas of concern modified the picture of a positive downward trend. The general drop in violent crime, for example, did not obviate the fact that several violent episodes took place during the course of the year. This included several incidents in which firearms were discharged, two of which led to police officers being shot. We also witnessed an upsurge in the number of opportunist bank robberies. Thankfully, however, the occasions in which firearms were used proved to be isolated incidents and not indicative of any overall increase in armed crime. Similarly, the increase in bank robberies proved to be a short-lived phenomenon, which was quickly curtailed by the Force's prompt response.

      Force commitments during 2001 were not confined to the prevention and detection of crime. The September 11 terrorist attacks in the US and their aftermath called for a heightened level of alert and preparedness in communities around the world. Although the HKSAR with its many international interests has so far not been identified as a specific terrorist target, the potential threat to Hong Kong necessitated, and received an effective response from the Hong Kong Police Force.

      The security of three major international economic fora, policing of over 2,300 public order events and a daily commitment to a myriad of routine policing responsibilities throughout the year also raised a series of diverse challenges for the Force; challenges that were, I am pleased to note, successfully met.

      The Force also pushed forward with a series of new, as well as ongoing management-related initiatives. The Force continued to improve its effectiveness and to better equip itself to meet the aspirations of the public in various ways. These included plans for a full revamp of the design and manufacture of our Force uniforms, as well as the renovation of 16 further reporting facilities in police stations under the Station Improvement Project. The Force's ongoing commitment to IT development also underlined our determination to further enhance our organisational efficiency and effectiveness. In this regard, 2001 saw the Force receiving funding approval for a new, world-class communications system for our frontline officers. We also made significant advances in the development of our internal knowledge management structures, and electronic communications network.

      Taking these achievements and initiatives forward in 2002 will require an excellent structure and meticulous planning. As a Force already operating in a rapidly changing environment, the Hong Kong Police must adhere to its principles of responsiveness to change, and be imaginative in its approach to policing challenges. To this end, Senior Force Management has drawn up a Three Year Strategic Action Plan for the Force. By setting out the operational and management priorities to take us forward, this Plan will help ensure that the services we provide continue to meet the needs of the community.

      Through addressing these priorities and implementing them effectively, I am confident that the Force will be in an excellent position to face the challenges ahead. We must be realistic in accepting that just like any law enforcement body serving its community throughout the world, we will be unable to eradicate all crime, prevent all untoward incidents from happening or satisfy the needs of every individual in society at any given time. However, we can strive to provide what I believe to be the next best thing. By this I mean our ability to provide a firm, effective deterrent to potential crime, a prompt professional response to all events that do occur, and an even-handed, impartial approach towards all parties with whom we come into contact.

      With these objectives as a foundation, the Hong Kong Police will continue to serve the community to the best of its ability, ensuring that Hong Kong remains one of the safest cities in the world.

[go to top]