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[Vision and Statement of Common Purpose and Values] [Foreword] [Operations]
[Regional Commanders' Report] [Personnel and Training]
[Management Services] [Finance, Administration and Planning]
[Environmental Report] [Organisation] [Annexes, Crime Charts and Appendices]

 

"The Force remains whole-heartedly committed to
serving the community of Hong Kong."

 
Foreword
 
   The past year has been another challenging and demanding one for the Force as well as the Hong Kong community as a whole. The year commenced with the onset of the Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS), a crisis to which the Force responded with great commitment and efficiency, earning itself just praise. SARS aggravated an already weak local economy and strained further an unsettled public. By the middle of the year sections of the public took to the streets in demonstrations of discontent. The efficient manner in which these demonstrations were policed reflected great credit on the professionalism of the Force. As the spread of SARS was contained, the Force committed itself to actively supporting the campaign to re-launch Hong Kong by taking the lead in ensuring the smooth flow of crowds and traffic at various international and local events.

   Given these additional and unexpected commitments during the year, I was particularly pleased to report at the year's end that the law and order situation remained stable. Despite an overall rise in crime, the numbers in respect of homicide, rape and robbery, both with and without firearms, decreased. This is particularly satisfying as one of our six operational targets set for 2003 was to maintain the fight against violent crime and in particular those crimes involving the use of firearms. There was in fact not a single case of robbery involving genuine firearms throughout the year. In addition to the reduction in the numbers of such crimes, 12 armed gangs were successfully neutralised with 67 suspects arrested and a total of 28 firearms seized. Success in this target is dependent on, and was achieved with, close and effective co-operation with our Mainland and overseas counterparts as well as an effective exchange of intelligence. In the related target of combating triad crime the Force has built on the successes of 2002. During 2003, a further series of anti-triad operations were conducted, resulting in the arrest of 303 persons and the neutralisation of four triad gangs.

   Throughout the year our efforts continued against the trafficking and abuse of dangerous drugs and in particular psychotropic substances by young persons. The total number of persons arrested for offences involving psychotropic drugs fell 14 per cent while the same offences involving young persons dropped by a pleasing 24.6 per cent when compared with 2002.

   World events continued to require our utmost vigilance as the potential for terrorist attacks remained during 2003. These threats are unlikely to recede in the short term and a continued emphasis will be placed on maintaining the security of Hong Kong. On a brighter note, the latter part of 2003 saw encouraging signs in the local economy as well as the return of tourists and visitors after the containment of SARS. This was particularly evident during the "Golden Week" holidays in October, which saw unprecedented numbers of visitors entering via the boundary crossing points. Again forward planning and close co-operation with our colleagues in other departments and the Mainland achieved a smooth flow of the vast numbers of arriving and departing visitors.

   Looking forward the Force has again identified the key challenges that it will face in 2004 and has devised strategies to deal with these through seven operational targets. Firstly, we will build on our successes in 2003 against violent crime, in particular, crime involving firearms and our enhanced liaison with Mainland and overseas enforcement agencies will be further developed and refined. A vital factor in combating violent crime is deterrence and therefore we must maintain a strong and visible police presence notwithstanding the manpower constraints now facing the Force.

   The recent encouraging increase in tourists and visitors to Hong Kong, whilst helping our economy, also provides "quick cash" criminals with greater opportunities for crimes such as snatching and pickpocketing. Major publicity efforts will be conducted to remind and educate both visitors and the public to protect their property. These will be supported by the mounting of proactive operations against "quick cash" criminals.

   I have introduced a new operational target for 2004, that of Road Safety. Through a combination of focused enforcement action and public education, it is intended to make our roads safer and thereby reduce the social and economic toll of road traffic accidents. Frontline traffic officers will continue to be supported in their duties by specialised training and by the latest technology in terms of vehicles and equipment.

   Economically and socially 2003 ended more positively than it began. However this does not alter the fact that the Force continues and will continue to face both budgetary and manpower constraints in the year ahead. Despite this, the present law and order situation remains stable with public support for and confidence in its police force high. I have no doubt that the professionalism and dedication of the Force will ensure that Hong Kong remains a safe and secure city in which to live, visit and do business in 2004 and in the years to come.

 
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