| Addressing
clear policing objectives whilst responding effectively to the threat
of international terrorism were the priority goals the Force established
for itself at the outset of 2002. These are goals which have, I
am pleased to report, been effectively met.
Although
Hong Kong experienced a 3.9 per cent increase in the number of overall
crimes recorded last year, containment of crime in a number of key
areas provided the foundation for a very successful performance
by the Force overall in the past 12 months.
Instances
of violent crime involving the use of genuine firearms were maintained
at a low level, whilst the number of high profile bank, goldsmith
and watch-shop robberies decreased. Similarly we witnessed a fall
in the number of burglaries recorded, down to a 23 year low, whilst
serious narcotic offences, theft of vehicles and perhaps most pleasing
of all, the number of young persons and juveniles arrested for crime,
were also down.
I
was particularly encouraged by the Force's response to, and the
subsequent achievements it made in terms of the three policing priorities
set at the beginning of the year. As already highlighted our first,
a commitment to combat violent crime, met with considerable success,
with firearm and high risk premises related crimes effectively contained.
As seen in the past this type of crime readily undermines the public's
confidence in the safety we in Hong Kong have come to enjoy and
expect on our streets. Our efforts in this regard represent a vital
achievement in what has been an unsettling year for the people of
Hong Kong.
Secondly
the Force maintained strong, effective enforcement action against
the trafficking in, as well as the abuse of, psychotropic drugs
and other narcotics. This strategy focused primarily on dangerous
drug activities affecting Hong Kong, but also saw us establishing
an effective working partnership with the Guangdong and Macau authorities
both in terms of mutually beneficial joint operations, as well as
intelligence sharing initiatives. The large scale drug seizures
and number of arrests made as a result of these initiatives were
most gratifying, whilst of particular significance to our anti-drug
efforts has been the significant drop seen in the number of young
persons arrested for offences involving psychotropic substances.
This is a most encouraging trend, and young persons' involvement
in drugs is an area in which we will continue to strengthen our
efforts.
The
Force's third priority in terms of combating crime in 2002 focused
on targeting triad and other organised crime activities. A successful
strategy of initiating local undercover operations, as well as utilising
our existing close working relationship with the Mainland authorities
resulted in the neutralisation of 54 triad syndicates and restraint
of crime proceeds totalling $86 million. This dealt a significant
blow to these criminal gangs and again our pressure on them will
not be relaxed.
Outwith
these positive results however fresh issues of concern did of course
come to the fore as the year progressed. Internationally, the spectre
of terrorism and the potential for acts of terror to be perpetrated
anywhere in the world remained uppermost in people's minds. Horrific
attacks in Bali and Kenya re-emphasised the worldwide threat currently
posed by terrorist groups.
On
the domestic front continuing economic concerns and growing social
disquiet over a number of issues have had a significant impact on
the general mood of the public as well as presenting new, challenging
trends in crime.
The
Force will therefore continue to remain alert to the impact of international
events on Hong Kong, be responsive to tensions within the community
and the potential for disorder this creates, as well as address
fresh areas of concern in terms of crime.
With
this in mind the Force has identified key challenges which will
need to be addressed during 2003. These reflect international as
well as domestic concerns and as Commissioner I have prioritised
these issues, as well as the Force's intended response to them into
five, clear operational targets for the year ahead.
Firstly
we will maintain the fight against violent crime - particularly
that which involves firearms. Deployment of a strong, visible uniformed
police presence, execution of intelligence-based operations and
maintenance of close liaison with the Mainland and other overseas
law enforcement agencies will be key to achieving this objective.
Secondly
we will maintain the fight against triad-related violence. Again
by employing a strategy of enhancing intelligence, exchanges and
co-operation with other police agencies, as well as making maximum
use of existing legislation here in Hong Kong we aim to effectively
remove the fear of triads and therefore the influence they have.
The phenomenon
of 'Quick Cash Crime' is an area of public concern and it will be
one of my main priorities to crackdown on such offences. This will
be achieved through the strategic deployment of police resources
at identified problem areas, as well as by engaging the security
and property management industries, together with the public themselves
in prevention of these crimes.
With terrorism
continuing to represent a worldwide challenge we will reinforce
our commitment to international efforts against this phenomenon.
There remains no evidence to suggest that Hong Kong faces any direct,
immediate or specific threat from terrorism, but we remain on constant
alert, continuously reviewing threat assessments and our preparedness
to respond to any situation.
Last, but
by no means least, we will follow up on our measures to maintain
strict enforcement action against psychotropic drugs and their abuse
by young people, as well as maintain vigilance against crimes committed
by illegal immigrants and two-way permit holders from the Mainland.
With more flexible travel arrangements being established between
the Mainland and Hong Kong our rigorous commitment to these two
areas will be vital.
The
way forward in terms of how the Force will address specific areas
of concern in terms of crime and general public order is in my view
clear. Less certain perhaps is how Hong Kong as a community, together
with individual organisations such as the Force, will address future
challenges which are already looming on the horizon. Pressures arising
from budgetary deficit concerns and financial constraint, the relaxation
of travel restrictions between the Mainland and Hong Kong, as well
as the general negativity felt by many in society may well challenge
law and order within Hong Kong. These represent just some of the
issues which will seriously test us in the months and years ahead.
From a policing perspective, however, I can confidently assert that
Hong Kong's law and order situation remains stable, whilst its Police
Force continues to enjoy the public support, resources, and professional
ability necessary to maintain this stability during the difficult
days which lie ahead. |