[Vision, Common Purpose & Values] [Foreword] [Operations] [Regional Commanders' Report]
[Personnel and Training] [Management Services] [Finance, Administration and Planning]
[Environmental Report] [Organisation] [Annexes, Crime Charts & Appendices] [Information]
Management Services
Reinforcing a Service Culture
Information Systems Wing (ISW) provided innovative communications solutions and applications of information technology during 2007. Remotely operated communications equipment developed for the Force by the Communications Branch of ISW for use in potentially dangerous or rescue situations received widespread accolades and generated interest from other law enforcement agencies. New state-of-the-art radio, communications and navigation equipment were also provided to a new generation of Police sea-going vessels.
The Force is committed to continuously improving the services it provides to the community and was particularly encouraged by the service awards it received during the year, including a total of eight awards in the Civil Service Outstanding Service Award Scheme 2007.
Information Systems Wing
In 2007, Force users benefited from technological enhancements produced by the Information Technology Branch of ISW that allow Internet access to non-sensitive Police data and job-related information from places other than the office environment. The delivery of these applications reinforced the Force's customer-oriented culture. ISW officers continued to offer advice and guidance to Force users on matters related to information and communications technology, including on-scene visits as required. This generated very positive feedback and again underscored the Force's professional and caring approach.
The Throw Ball
The Communications Branch worked with the Police Negotiation Cadre to produce remote communications equipment for cases in which face-to-face negotiations are impractical. The Throw Ball is a spherical device that can be safely deployed from a distance in such situations. It is also compatible with rescue operations when the subject may not be immediately accessible. During the year, the equipment generated considerable interest from other law enforcement agencies.
Versatile Maritime Policing Response (VMPR)
This project involved the introduction of various new Police maritime craft in 2007. ISW's Communications Branch was responsible for the procurement, commissioning, installation and support services for the state-of-the-art navigation, electronics and radio equipment on the vessels, as well as their central command system.
Service Quality Wing
During 2007, as part of the Force's commitment to ongoing improvement of service quality and promotion of Force values, the sixth round of Living-the-Values workshops, entitled Fairness in All Our Dealings, was launched as a key component of our long-term focus on service quality.
Our dedication to providing quality services to the community was also rewarded during the Civil Service Outstanding Service Award Scheme 2007, in which the Force won eight awards, including three Departmental Awards and five Team Awards. The Team Awards, in particular entries relating to partnerships in crime prevention in Kowloon East and the use of social media by the Police School Network in the prevention of juvenile crime in Tuen Mun, reflected the Force's recognition of the importance of building community partnerships at the local level.
Community needs for policing services and our ability to deliver these are under constant review. To ensure that resources are wisely and gainfully used, a strategic planning review was conducted in 2007 leading to the development of a project management toolkit to support new Force projects.
Research and Inspections
The Research and Inspections Branch conducted 10 inspections of Police formations and undertook a thematic inspection of patrol sub-units in 2007. The focus was on the efficient use of human resources, work processes and how Police formations addressed local issues. Force members are able to access identified best practices through the Practices and Experience Acquisition Kiosk.
Complaints and Internal Investigations
The Complaints and Internal Investigations Branch comprises the Complaints Against Police Office (CAPO) and Internal Investigations Office (IIO).
Besides investigating complaints made by the public against Force members in an impartial and thorough manner, CAPO strives to ensure that grievances are promptly addressed by way of Informal Resolution (IR), where applicable. CAPO will also initiate action in respect of deficiencies in police processes identified in the course of complaint investigations.
During the year, CAPO received 2 569 complaints, a marginal increase of 2.3 per cent as compared to 2006. Of the 2 569 cases, 1 179 were endorsed by the Independent Police Complaints Council (IPCC). Of the 1 179 cases, 399 cases (33.8 per cent) were dealt with by way of IR and 102 cases were investigated. Of the 102 cases, four cases (3.9 per cent) were substantiated. Efforts to prevent avoidable complaints and strengthen the Force's customer-oriented service will continue into 2008. In 2007, the Complaints Prevention Committee organised a Complaints Prevention Lyric Writing and Song Composing Contest to raise the complaint prevention awareness of Force members.
IIO is responsible for devising and implementing the Force's integrity management initiatives, in particular the Force Anti-Corruption Strategy. In 2007, it revised and improved Force procedures on the internal reporting of misconduct and the staff support system, and continued to remind officers of the adverse consequences of associating with undesirable persons.
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