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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]

 

"Our close partnership with the community continues
to be our greatest asset in the fight against crime."

 
Operations
 
    2003 was a year in which the Hong Kong Police continued to work in partnership with the community to ensure that the territory remained one of the safest cities in the world.

    Although there was an increase in overall crime, mainly due to the upsurge of street-level "quick cash" crimes, the number of violent and other serious crimes decreased. This decrease was in no small part due to the efforts of numerous Police officers at various levels, which resulted in a reduction in the number of robberies, the neutralisation of various counterfeit credit card and counterfeit currency activities, and the solving of two notorious murders in which firearms had been used. Crime Wing Headquarters also co-ordinated efforts with Regions to stop the proliferation of heroin divans and to interdict a number of cross-boundary drug trafficking syndicates.

    The number of instances in which firearms were used continued to remain at a low level and this bore testimony to the vigilance of the Hong Kong Police. An already successful year on the crime-fighting front culminated in the arrest in December of an infamous robber who had masterminded several high-profile robberies with firearms in the 1990s. His capture was a major boost in the fight against violent crime.

    The Hong Kong Police not only played an active role in combating crime, but also showed its responsiveness during the SARS crisis in early to mid-2003, when its Major Incident Investigation Disaster Support Section (MIIDSS) assisted the Hong Kong medical authorities by using its computer technology to trace SARS contacts and identify potential SARS "hot spots". This assistance drew plaudits not only from the Hong Kong medical authorities, but also from the World Health Organisation.

    In 2004, the crackdown against quick cash crimes will continue and no effort will be spared to ensure that the number of violent crimes remains low. The Force will continue to be in the forefront of the fight against serious and organised crime and will also continue to pay close attention to drug abuse amongst youngsters.

Organised Crime and Triads

    Throughout 2003, the Organised Crime and Triad Bureau (OCTB) mounted a number of intelligence-based proactive operations to combat many of the activities of triads and organised criminals. Human smuggling is a subject of international concern. Since Hong Kong is a major transportation hub, it is occasionally used by illegal immigrants en-route to other destinations. During the year, OCTB continued its efforts against human smuggling in collaboration with the Immigration Department. More than 50 people were arrested.

    Close co-operation with neighbouring police authorities on the Mainland and Macao helped to keep crimes involving the use of firearms under control. A system of immediate notification on cases pertaining to firearms was established and is functioning well. Continued high level co-operation with other law enforcement agencies world-wide helped OCTB to take an active part in the neutralisation of criminals engaged in vehicle theft, smuggling of stolen vehicles, syndicated vice, gambling, cross-border crimes and other triad monopolies.

Criminal Intelligence

    During the year, the Criminal Intelligence Bureau (CIB) continued to take a strategic approach towards serious crime and triad problems and initiated a series of very successful intelligence-led Regional and Force-wide operations.

    On the intelligence analysis training front, CIB introduced the "Advanced Criminal Intelligence Analysis Course" to Inspectorate officers with a view to enhancing their professional skills and technical knowledge.

    Since 1994, investigation has been actively pursued against a robbery syndicate which apparently committed a number of serious offences including armed robberies and shootings since the 1980s. As a result of a well executed co-ordinated arrest operation initiated by CIB, the mastermind and his associate were arrested with 10 firearms, over 800 rounds of various ammunition and seven hand grenades seized in December 2003.

Commercial Crime

    The Commercial Crime Bureau (CCB) is responsible for taking preventive and enforcement action against serious frauds, counterfeit and forgery cases as well as technology crime.

    The number of syndicated and serious frauds handled by CCB in 2003 dropped 18 per cent as compared to 2002. The successful conclusion of pyramid scheme-related fraud cases also resulted in a downward trend of the crimes.

    Prevention of street deception was one of the themes of the 2003/04 Fight Crime Publicity Campaign. The number of reports dropped by 29 per cent in 2003 as compared to the previous year.

    A number of mortgage fraud cases were discovered in 2003. With the co-operation of the banking industry, a key syndicate responsible for the fraud was neutralised and a potential loss of $49 million was prevented.

    During the year, CCB neutralised three counterfeit credit card manufacturing centres, which resulted in the seizure of large numbers of finished and semi-finished products. Close liaison and exchange of intelligence between CCB and the Public Security Bureau in Guangdong also led to a successful raid in Shenzhen.

    In December 2003, a counterfeit $10 coin manufacturing and distribution syndicate was shut down. This was the largest counterfeit coin production centre in the history of Hong Kong.

    The Technology Crime Division is constantly upgrading its professional investigation capability and has worked in collaboration with the University of Hong Kong in the development of new forensic examination software. To deal with the increase of online game hacking activities, a project on "Cyber Ethics involving Students and Youths" was jointly launched with the Education and Manpower Bureau, the Television and Entertainment Licensing Authority and schools and parents' associations.

    In October 2003 the first Asia and South Pacific Region Technology Crime Investigation and Training Seminar was held in Hong Kong. This event was conducted in collaboration with the Interpol Asia South Pacific Working Party on IT Crime.

Narcotics

    The Force continued to accord a high priority to tackling psychotropic substance trafficking and abuse. As compared to 2002, there was a 25 per cent decrease in the number of young persons arrested for such cases. Arrests for heroin offences were also down by five per cent and throughout the year resources were deployed to crackdown on the proliferation of heroin divans.

    Joint efforts with Mainland counterparts were fully used to disrupt the drugs supply. As a result of such operations there were substantial seizures of drugs before they could reach the consumer level. Narcotics Bureau played a significant role in several transnational trafficking investigations that resulted in substantial seizures of illicit drugs overseas. The Bureau worked in close co-operation with several overseas agencies in order to freeze, seize and ultimately confiscate assets of drug traffickers.

Crime Prevention

    The Crime Prevention Bureau promotes the principles of self-protection through the provision of target-specific advice to a wide range of individual corporations and professional trade bodies. Major publicity campaigns were run during the year to enhance public awareness of quick cash crimes. The Bureau also deals with licensing matters for the 850 security companies active in Hong Kong, with responsibility in briefing and inspection of new applicants, their annual and renewal inspections and close monitoring of any substandard companies.

Liaison

    The Liaison Division is responsible for liaison with Mainland police authorities. In addition to existing direct liaison channels with Beijing, Guangdong, Zhuhai and Shenzhen, the Force established a new channel with Shanghai in 2003, in which electronic communications will be employed.

    To strengthen ties and co-operation with our Mainland counterparts, the annual Bilateral Meeting and Tripartite CID Heads Meetings were held in 2003. These were attended by Police officers from the senior management levels of Hong Kong, the Mainland and Macao to map out a strategy to combat cross-boundary crime.

    The Interpol Division represents the 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 enhance international co-operation in combating crime.

Forensic Support

    During 2003, the Identification Bureau (IB) accorded priority to enhancing communication and co-operation with Mainland and Macao counterparts, as well as to enhancing efficiency of the Bureau. Application of new technologies at crime scenes and in the Advanced Technology Section ensured continued success in the identification of suspects. The identification process is speedily and efficiently carried out by the Computer Assisted Fingerprint Identification System. During the year, the system established the criminal history of 44 978 individuals and linked 1 688 persons to unsolved crimes in 1 493 cases.

    Officers of the Photographic Section attended 4 275 crime scenes in 2003. Apart from conventional photographic services, the section provided video crime scene re-enactment and the printing of photographs from bank surveillance films and videotapes.

    The Forensic Firearms Examinations Bureau continued to play an important role in the investigation of firearm-related crimes by improving its quality of services and through interaction with leading professional associations worldwide, thereby ensuring the Bureau uses the most advanced technology in forensic examination.

Major Incident Investigation and Disaster Support System (MIIDSS)

    MIIDSS is a system that assists investigations by managing information in a major incident. In 2003, the most notable application of the system was in conjunction with the health authorities during the outbreak of SARS in Hong Kong between April and June. This computer tool helped to track down SARS contacts and locations, which drew plaudits from the World Health Organisation.

Police Tactical Unit

    Police Tactical Unit (PTU) officers are deployed by the Regional Commander to carry out anti-crime and anti-illegal immigration operations as well as crowd management duties during festive occasions and public order events. PTU's ability to deal with large crowds played a vital role in the smooth running of a number of major events held in Hong Kong, for example the 6th Anniversary of the Establishment of the HKSAR, the July 1 Parade and the Hong Kong International Musical Firework Competition in October. During 2003, training staff from PTU Headquarters visited police units in Singapore, Germany, Northern Ireland and the United Kingdom.

Bomb Disposal

    The Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) Bureau is responsible for dealing with all explosive devices and weapons in Hong Kong. This remit includes dealing with Chemical, Biological, Radiological and Nuclear (CBRN) Weapons. In 2003, the Bureau was called out 151 times. During visits to Hong Kong by VIPs, the Bureau deployed extra teams for any possible incident. 2003 saw the EOD Bureau safely dispose of over 12 000 pyrotechnic devices surrendered to the Police. The Bureau is at the forefront of the Force's preparedness for counter terrorist incidents and over the past year conducted several major Force-wide exercises. Officers from the Bureau visited and were visited by similar units in the UK, the USA and Australia.

Counter Terrorism

    Intelligence exchange with Interpol and other overseas law enforcement agencies continued during 2003 with a view to maintaining Hong Kong's security against terrorism. Since mid-year the Force, in conjunction with other Government departments and private sector interests, was heavily involved in the preparation and introduction of the International Shipping and Port Security Code. Frequent operations to test security at Hong Kong International Airport were conducted with regular security reviews co-ordinated with all representatives of the airport community. Also in 2003, a major territory-wide counter terrorist exercise named "Spellbinder" was conducted. This 14-week exercise aimed at enhancing overall awareness of counter terrorism contingency plans.

Illegal Immigration

    There has been an overall downward trend since 1993 on illegal immigration from the Mainland. During the year, the Police arrested 3 809 illegal immigrants, representing a decrease of 29 per cent as compared to 2002. Close liaison in the form of regular meetings and exchange of intelligence was maintained with the Guangdong Border Defence Bureau. Whole sections of the boundary fence are now monitored round-the-clock through the use of advanced technical equipment.

Force Search and Police Dog Unit

    The Force Search Unit is responsible for developing a professional search capability. In 2003 the Unit conducted two major defensive search operations.These were for the Hong Kong Rugby Sevens 2003 in March and the 6th Anniversary of the Establishment of the HKSAR in July.

    The Police Dog Unit provides a round-the-clock search capability for drugs, firearms and explosives. In 2003, together with officers of the Force Search Cadre, the Police Dog Unit's explosive search dogs were deployed on security search operations for a number of major international events held in Hong Kong.

Transport

    In 2003, the provision of new large van patrol vehicles continued throughout the Force. Replacement programmes for large traffic motorcycles and specialist unit's large saloon cars continued on schedule. With the onset of SARS, the Force fleet and drivers were able to mobilise immediately in support of health authorities' quarantine measures.

Traffic

    Hong Kong continues to have one of the highest vehicle densities in the world, registering 306 vehicles per kilometre of road in 2003. During the year, the number of vehicle registrations remained more or less the same as the previous year at around 590 000, the majority of them private cars. Reducing the number of traffic accidents and maintaining a smooth traffic flow continued to be priorities for Traffic Police.

    Traffic accidents in 2003 showed a marginal year-on-year decrease. Although the number of casualties recorded a slight drop, fatalities (half of which were pedestrians) increased by 18 per cent as compared to last year. The increase was due to a number of passengers killed in one serious bus accident on Tuen Mun Road in July.

    Police continued to take stringent enforcement action against offences related to bad driving. To strengthen Police enforcement capability, 135 housings to accommodate 12 additional red light cameras and eight speed enforcement cameras were installed at accident black spots. In addition, the Force has a fleet of 47 vehicles equipped with video systems to enhance evidence gathering in regard to speeding and poor driving.

    To further enhance community awareness of road safety, Police commissioned a new Road Safety Bus in 2003 and organised a variety of publicity activities targeting different road user groups. At the same time, Police continued to make concerted efforts with other Government departments and road safety stakeholders to review the legislation and seek for areas of improvement. During 2003, there was a decrease in the overall number of traffic contraventions of 2.6 per cent over 2002.

Licensing

    Legislative amendments to tighten the issuing criteria of security personnel permits since April 2003 have considerably enhanced the level of integrity and standard of personnel working in the security and guarding services industry. Only persons who are considered appropriate will be granted permits. At present, there are about 224 300 valid permits. In 2003, the Police Licensing Office approved about 60 000 applications, rejected some 450 applications and revoked approximately 460 permits.

    As a further means to facilitate legitimate business operators of massage establishments, fees charged for renewal of licences were significantly reduced as of May 2003. Following the Karaoke Establishments Ordinance, which came into effect in January 2003, a 12-month grace period was allowed for the trade to gradually change their facilities to meet legislative requirements for fire and public safety.

Public Relations

    The Police Public Relations Branch (PPRB) plays a vital role in explaining Police work to the media and the public as well as strengthening relationships in order to enlist the public's support in the maintenance of law and order. Police Community Relations Officers attached to different districts work closely with representatives from Government departments and organisations to keep the public well informed of Police policies and operational priorities. During the year, the Secondary School Liaison Officers Programme and the Junior Police Call scheme continued to serve as bridges between the Police and youngsters. Membership of the JPC scheme stood at 144 043 at year-end.

    In conjunction with Radio Television Hong Kong (RTHK), the Police Force produces two weekly television programmes, the 30-minute Police Magazine in Cantonese and the five-minute Police Report in English, to keep the public abreast of prevalent crime trends and to appeal for information that will help officers in investigations. Celebrating its 30th anniversary this year, Police Magazine continued to enjoy high ratings while enhancing co-operation between the Force and the community.

    PPRB and RTHK jointly produced a new television programme, "On the Beat", which made its debut in January. It aimed to further enhance the image of the Force and promote public understanding of Police work. One of its episodes, entitled "The Suddenness of Life", won the Silver Plaque at the 39th Chicago International Television Awards. Part II of "On the Beat" was launched in October to disseminate the twin messages "Evil will not prevail over the good" and "Justice has a long arm". Both Part I and Part II of "On the Beat" enjoyed favourable ratings. An average of 1.5 million viewers aged four and above watched each episode.

    Police telephone hotlines and Crime Information Forms provide convenient channels for crime reporting. A total of 22 583 hotline phone calls (not including those made to the emergency hotline 999) as well as 2 049 returned Crime Information Forms were registered respectively at year-end, resulting in 2 722 arrests. To commend people's initiatives in helping the fight against crime, the Police Force held two Good Citizen Award Scheme presentation ceremonies in June and December, with sponsorship from the Hong Kong General Chamber of Commerce.

    Information relating to Police activities is disseminated to local and overseas media organisations round-the-clock. During the year, officers seconded from the Information Services Department (ISD) handled 290 468 media enquiries, issued 3 445 press releases, organised 321 press conferences and briefings and assisted media coverage at 235 serious crime scenes and other incidents.

    Information Officers at PPRB also worked closely with their counterparts in the ISD and representatives from other Government departments as well as the Fight Crime Committee in planning and implementing the Fight Crime Publicity Campaign 2003-04 which had two themes, "anti-street deception" and "anti-miscellaneous theft".

    To further publicise Police-related information effectively, PPRB continued to update the contents and improve the presentation of Force publications, including the bi-weekly newspaper OffBeat, the JPC monthly newsletter and Police in Figures leaflet. The Police Review 2002 won an Honourable Mention in the 2003 Best Annual Report Awards organised by the Hong Kong Management Association.

Hong Kong Auxiliary Police Force

    The Hong Kong Auxiliary Police Force (HKAPF) consists of about 4 300 officers who come from all walks of life. They perform a variety of operational policing duties such as crowd management, key point defence and beat duty, as well as undergo regular and comprehensive training. The HKAPF is fully integrated with the regular force and the Auxiliary Support Bureau acts as a one-stop shop to assist in the administration, management and training of the HKAPF.

 
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