[Vision, Common Purpose & Values] [Foreword] [Operations] [Regional Commanders' Report]
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Foreword
We serve with pride and care.
The past year was another challenging and rewarding one for the Force as we continued to address the immediate concern of maintaining law and order in Hong Kong and also pursued our long-term organisational objectives.
During 2007, members of the community celebrated the 10th Anniversary of the Establishment of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, participated in elections for various representative bodies and began to look forward to the benefits of hosting the Beijing Olympic and Paralympic Equestrian Events in 2008. Whilst remaining sensitive to external influences, the local economy continued to grow, with employment reaching a record high of just over 3.5 million people and visitor arrivals surpassing 28 million for the first time. Despite these positive factors, concerns related to political development, environmental and livelihood issues remained.
Against this setting the Force faced a heavy operational calendar throughout the year and the summer months proved to be a particularly busy time for our frontline units. Apart from being heavily engaged in various operations connected with celebrations for the 10th Anniversary, which included the visit of President Hu Jintao and the Good Luck Beijing – HKSAR 10th Anniversary Cup equestrian event, they were also required to manage a series of prolonged, and often volatile, demonstrations associated with the taxi operators dispute at the airport, industrial action by the metal bar-benders and preparation works for the Central reclamation. The professionalism and dedication displayed by our frontline officers during this demanding period brought the Force considerable public acclaim.
The general crime picture in 2007 accurately portrays Hong Kong as a safe city. The overall crime rate stood at 1 167 cases per 100 000 residents, a decrease of 1.3 per cent as compared to 2006, and the detection rate remained steady at 45.6 per cent. There was a significant decline in the number of reports of homicide, robbery, burglary, missing vehicle and triad-related crime, and there were no cases involving the use of genuine firearms. In fact, all these categories of crime were at their lowest levels for the past decade. Whilst a variety of factors affect the prevalence of crime, the prevailing situation indicates that our operational priorities and related policing strategies are well focused and responsive to developing trends.
Domestic violence and youth drug abuse have emerged as areas of particular concern to the community in recent years. These are complex social issues and can only be effectively addressed by adopting a coordinated multi-agency approach. Due to concerted efforts by responsible Government departments and non-government organisations over the past few years, there is now a better understanding of domestic violence within the community, and enhanced procedures are in place for providing prompt and professional support to affected families. There is no room for complacency and the Force will regularly review its procedures and training to ensure a progressive approach continues to be adopted. The Force is also working with other members of the inter-departmental Task Force on Youth Drug Abuse to develop measures to address this issue by augmenting existing comprehensive anti-narcotics strategies.
In dealing with issues of community concern I take great pride from the personal interest and sense of social responsibility displayed by officers at all levels of our organisation. To illustrate this point, four of the eight awards won by the Force in the Civil Service Outstanding Service Award Scheme 2007 relate to regional and district level projects focusing on enhancing police services to the community. Many of our officers also give up their own time to help those in need through participation in the Hong Kong Police Volunteer Services Corps, the Carelinks Cadre and the non-profit making charity Operation Breakthrough.
Clearly our officers are the Force's most valuable asset in terms of fulfilling our pledge to serve the community with pride and care, and we continue to invest heavily in their well-being and personal and professional development. Examples of this in 2007 included: efforts to extend the five-day week work cycle to as many officers as possible within the principle of no reduction to emergency services; implementing an integrated approach to physical fitness and health; development of improved career management and training systems; and equipping frontline officers with new bullet resistant vests and crime pistols.
The value of engaging the community and providing appropriate development opportunities and support to officers was quickly recognised as part of the process of formulating our fourth Three-Year Strategic Action Plan during the year. The plan, which was launched at the end of 2007, includes four strategic directions that acknowledge our long-term commitment to developing a community-oriented and intelligence-led policing strategy, and the vitally important role that professional officers and well-supported frontline units play in maintaining law and order in our increasingly complex society. These directions are seen as crucial to the continued success of the Force and we will embark on 17 key projects to take them forward in 2008.
Looking ahead, hosting the Olympic and Paralympic Equestrian Events will probably be the biggest challenge the Force will face in 2008. I am confident we possess the experience and capability required to assist the Hong Kong Equestrian Company facilitate the smooth running of these events in a safe and secure environment, whilst continuing to provide a fast and effective response to emergencies and an appropriate level of watch and ward police coverage to the community. Other significant events for the Force during the year will include the 20th INTERPOL Asian Regional Conference at our Headquarters in March, and the Legislative Council elections in September.
As a Force we can be justifiably proud of our achievements in serving the community with pride and care during 2007. The law and order situation remained stable and public confidence and support for the Force continued to be positive. With this strong foundation, and our commitment to community engagement and a professional and well-supported workforce, I have no doubt the Force will continue to ensure Hong Kong remains a safe and stable society in 2008 and the years to come.
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