[ Foreword ] [ Memorable Events ] [ The Hand of Partnership ] [ Operations ] [ Regional Commanders' Report ] [ Personnel and Training ]
[ Management Services ]
[ Finance, Administration and Planning ] [ Environmental Report ] [ Organisation ]
[ Appendices ]
The law and order situation remained stable in 2016. A total of 60,646 crimes were recorded, of which 10,103 were classified as violent crimes, representing decreases of 8.7 per cent and 7.2 per cent respectively on the 66,439 crimes and 10,889 violent crimes recorded in 2015. The overall crime rate and violent crime rate per 100,000 of the population also improved, to 827 and 138 respectively, as compared to 911 and 149 in 2015. The detection rates stood at 47.3 per cent for overall crime and 61.6 per cent for violent crime, respectively up by 2.5 and 0.8 percentage points.
The decreases in crime are attributable to significant reductions in the number of cases in the categories of deception, miscellaneous thefts, blackmail, wounding and serious assault, serious drug offences and burglary. The number of burglary cases in 2016 reached a record low since 1969. The year 2016 also saw a decrease in technology crime for the first time since 2008, with a drop of 13.5 per cent in cases being registered. Running contrary to this downward trend, homicide and robbery increased by 27.3 per cent and 16.6 per cent respectively. All the 28 homicide cases were detected, while the number of robbery cases in 2016 was the second lowest since 1969. None of the robbery cases in 2016 involved the use of genuine firearms.
Commissioner Lo Wai-chung (centre), Deputy Commissioner (Management) Chau Kwok-leung (right) and Deputy Commissioner (Operations) Lau Yip-shing reviewed the crime situation in 2016 at a press conference.
The Organized Crime and Triad Bureau combats organised and serious crime and triad activities, particularly those involving cases of serious violence, syndicated vice, loan-sharking, human trafficking and syndicated vehicle theft. In 2016, a series of joint operations with the Guangdong Provincial Public Security Department resulted in the neutralisation of three human smuggling syndicates, and the arrest of 85 key syndicate members and 123 non-ethnic Chinese illegal immigrants. The Bureau also co-ordinated Force-wide operations against illegal bookmaking activities arising from the UEFA European Championship 2016, resulting in the arrest of 103 persons and the seizure of betting records amounting to $586 million.
Between July and September, the Bureau mounted a series of joint operations with the Guangdong and Macao Police. These resulted in the arrest of 2,120 persons for various triad-related offences, and the seizure of illicit goods worth over $72 million.
The Criminal Intelligence Bureau implements intelligence-led policing that targets triad and organised crime, in particular through its two expert cadres on triads and gambling. It provides intelligence support for major operations and serious crime investigations, and implements a wide range of measures to strengthen the Force's overall ability to gather criminal intelligence. During the year, the Bureau liaised closely with Mainland, Macao and overseas law enforcement agencies (LEAs) in the ongoing fight against transnational and cross boundary crime.
The 22nd Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Tripartite Heads of Criminal Investigation Department (CID) Meeting was held to discuss strategies in the fight against cross-boundary crime.
The Commercial Crime Bureau tackles serious and complex cases of fraud, money laundering and the use of counterfeit monetary instruments, both in Hong Kong and overseas.
In the year, the Bureau targeted deceptions of the rampant ‘Financial Intermediary' type, resulting in the arrest of over 600 culprits. The Bureau also enhanced its educational crime prevention measures, for instance by introducing a new section on ‘Topical Scams' on its scam prevention platform ‘Fight Scams Together'.
The Bureau has been preparing intensively for the establishment of a Fraud and Money Laundering Intelligence Task Force, designed to tackle serious financial crimes and related money laundering activities in Hong Kong. The Task Force will provide a platform for the exchange of intelligence between LEAs, the banking sector, and financial regulators.
The Bureau maintained close co-operation with local and international partners during the year. In September, together with the US Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), the Bureau co-hosted a first-of-its-kind international training course on ‘Intelligence Gathering and Analysis of Financial Crime'. The course focused on intelligence gathering using the public-private partnership model to tackle financial crime.
The scam prevention platform ‘Fight Scams Together' introduced a new section on ‘Topical Scams', updating citizens on the latest scam trends and providing advice on preventing crime.
Now in its second year, the Cyber Security and Technology Crime Bureau continued its work to combat technology crimes, improve the Force's digital forensic examination capabilities, and maintain the safety of Hong Kong's cyberspace through partnership with the community and various stakeholders.
In May, the Bureau hosted the first Cyber Security Summit in Hong Kong, with the theme ‘Knowing the Cyber Security Landscape and Matching Your Gear to Effectively Address Cyber Threats'. Attended by over 600 law enforcement officers, industry leaders and cyber security professionals from around the world, the event helped raise local awareness of cyber security and strengthen international collaboration on related issues. Between May and July, the Bureau also organised a Cyber Security Competition to raise awareness of cyber security among the younger generation. The competition attracted participation by 5,600 students from over 330 primary and secondary schools and tertiary institutions.
Over 600 law enforcement officers and industry leaders from around the world attended the Cyber Security Summit.
The Narcotics Bureau (NB) collaborates with Mainland and overseas LEAs in the fight against transnational drug trafficking. These strategic partnerships led to 11 successful joint operations in the year, and the seizure of 3,167 kg of illicit drugs. Locally, the Bureau uncovered 52 serious drugs cases, leading to the arrest of 101 persons and the seizure of 684 kg of illicit drugs. The Bureau also conducted two Narcotics Command Courses that facilitated the exchange of experience and strengthened working partnerships with Mainland and Macao law enforcement counterparts.
Under the co-ordination of the Security Bureau, the NB worked closely with other stakeholders to facilitate legislative amendments and devise effective intervention strategies in response to the emergence of new drugs.
The Narcotics Bureau seized about 127 kg of cocaine during an operation in June.
The NB's Joint Financial Intelligence Unit (JFIU) and Financial Investigations Division (FID) combat money laundering and terrorist financing activities. The Money Laundering and Terrorist Financing Risk Assessment Unit (RAU) of the Bureau is dedicated to helping the Government co-ordinate risk assessment exercises in Hong Kong.
The JFIU maintained co-operation through exchanges of financial intelligence with its overseas counterparts. JFIU officers also helped organise seminars for financial institutions and designated non-financial businesses and professions, at which anti-money laundering messages were put across.
The efforts of the FID, together with other investigation units in the Force, led to a total of 90 persons being convicted for money laundering offences in 2016. Criminal assets of $204.13 million were restrained, and $11.2 million confiscated.
The Bureau played an active part in the international conferences of the Financial Action Task Force and the Asia Pacific Group on Money Laundering.
The Crime Prevention Bureau offers crime prevention advice through a wide range of publicity channels, including leaflets for overseas visitors, media briefings, seminars, exhibitions of security equipment, and promotions through the Police e-platforms. The Bureau also continued its partnership with the security industry, helping ensure that security companies and their personnel provide high quality services.
Members of the public visiting the Crime Prevention Bureau Security Equipment Display Room.
The Robotcop conveying crime prevention messages to children.
The Liaison Bureau endeavours to establish and maintain strong partnerships with Mainland, Macao and Taiwan authorities and INTERPOL members.
In 2016, the Bureau co-ordinated the Force's participation in the 22nd Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Tripartite Heads of Criminal Investigation Department Meeting in Guangdong, and the 24th Bilateral Meeting since Reunification between Mainland Public Security Authorities and the Hong Kong Police Force in Hong Kong. It also arranged high-level visits to international strategic partners, and signed bilateral agreements with overseas LEAs.
The Liaison Bureau launched a three-phase project in 2016 to promote and extend the use of INTERPOL Integrated Tools and Services, from Headquarters level to Regional level. The project included a series of awareness road shows for frontline crime investigation officers and a training workshop for users. Frontline staff were ultimately equipped with designated INTERPOL terminals giving them direct access to the INTERPOL databases.
The Identification Bureau provides professional fingerprint examination, firearms-related forensic services, DNA collection, and photographic services to the Force and other LEAs.
The Identification Bureau provides forensic photographic services to the Force and other law enforcement agencies.
The Criminal Records Bureau provides round-the-clock support services to frontline Police officers and other Government departments in relation to information available on the Police Operational Nominal Index Computer System.
The Family Conflict and Sexual Violence Policy Unit formulates and implements Force policies, procedures and training on the handling of offences involving child and elder abuse, as well as domestic, family and sexual violence. The Unit adopts a multi-agency and cross-discipline approach to assist frontline units in tackling such offences.
The Major Incident Investigation and Disaster Support System was upgraded to its third generation version in January. The new system is assisting Force units, as well as other Government departments, in managing large quantities of data and crime information, and thus is improving the effectiveness of complex investigations.
The Witness Protection Unit runs witness protection programmes and provides advice to overseas LEAs on matters concerning witness protection.
The Counter Terrorism and Internal Security Division is responsible for formulating and implementing Force-level policies and orders for countering terrorism and maintaining internal security. The Division ensures that the Force is able to maintain a high level of readiness against the threat of terrorism. It works in close liaison with other Government departments and private-public agencies.
One of the Force's primary resources for countering terrorism is the Counter Terrorism Response Unit under the Division. This Unit conducts regular counter-terrorism patrols at sensitive locations, such as critical pieces of infrastructure, mass transportation locations, and other places of significance. The Unit takes part in regular joint training events and exercises with other operational units, helping enhance the Force's ability to respond effectively to terrorist incidents.
The Counter Terrorism Response Unit conducts regular drills.
The Counter Terrorism Response Unit conducts regular drills.
The Force Search Unit is a volunteer secondary duty cadre vested with the responsibility of conducting searches and security screenings at major events, including the visits of foreign dignitaries. It also provides support to other frontline units by carrying out searches at crime scenes, and assisting in other Police operations.
Force Search Unit undertaking search and security screening.
In 2016, the Police Dog Unit had 119 dogs. They were used for patrols, drug detection, tracking, and searching for explosives. In December, the Unit organised the triennial Police Dog Trial. Proceeds from ticket sales, which amounted to $400,000, was donated to the Hong Kong Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals.
The Police Dog Unit showcased its work and promoted the ‘Responsible Dog Owners' message at the triennial Police Dog Trial.
The Police Tactical Unit Headquarters (PTU HQ) provides public order policing training to serving police officers from the ranks of Constable to Superintendent. Its training encompasses methods and tactics developed for use in a wide range of operational situations, from anti-crime operations to public disorder situations and riots.
The Formation's 105-strong staff are based in Fanling, where they train officers drawn from different Police Regions who are organised into PTU Platoons and Companies. The three-month full-time training these officers receive at PTU HQ gives them the latest techniques and tactics needed for operational deployments, and conditions them physically and mentally to cope with the most challenging situations. Regular refresher training conducted at the Fanling base also ensures that the capabilities of the PTU Companies and Regional Emergency Units (EUs) remain up to date.
As a result of certain social events in recent years, PTU HQ has refined its training curriculum and provided officers with more suitable equipment. PTU HQ is also introducing new initiatives to enhance command training for commanders at various levels. This will ensure that the Force retains the command capability to deal with highly fluid or dynamic situations.
The end of 2016 saw an increase in the training throughput of PTU HQ, from six to eight companies a year. This was needed to keep up with the manpower requirements under a new public order policing strategy. PTU Training Companies also saw a return to the single-region Company, from the multi-region composite Company model that had been in place since 2003. These changes will help ensure the Force's tiered resources are better prepared for expected future challenges.
PTU officers receive regular training in public order policing.
PTU officers receive regular training in public order policing.
The Explosive Ordnance Disposal Bureau provides professional services to the community in dealing with improvised explosive devices, conventional munitions, and Chemical, Biological, Radiological and Nuclear (CBRN) incidents. In addition, the Bomb Data Centre provides Technical Advisory Briefs to relevant units. The Bureau plays a leading role within the Government's Standing CBRN Planning Group, in which it formulates strategic plans and contingency plans.
An Explosive Ordnance Disposal Bureau officer demonstrates the Improvised Explosive Device Disposal Robot WHEELBARROW.
The Force Rope Access Cadre (FRAC) promotes operational safety by supporting commanders in training sessions and operational situations involving unusual physical arrangements. During the year, FRAC delivered a number of Operational Access/Safety Technique courses to different operational units within the Force, as well as to participants from other Government departments.
On the professional development front, in March representatives from FRAC visited the Rescue Task Force of the Tokyo Fire Department and the Special Rescue Unit of the Tokyo Metropolitan Police, where they shared ideas and best practices for applying rope access techniques in different operational situations. Meanwhile, four FRAC members were accredited as ‘Police Work-at-Height Supervisor/Trainer' through vocational training in the United Kingdom.
The Force Rope Access Cadre provides support in operational situations involving unusual physical arrangements.
The Police Public Engagement Office fosters close working relationships with various stakeholders and organisations, with the aim of ensuring smooth and peaceful public order event operations. This kind of strategic engagement helps frontline commanders communicate more effectively with both the organisers of and participants in public order events, and ensure the events take place in a safe and orderly manner.
The Police Negotiation Cadre (PNC) consists of 75 dedicated volunteer Police officers, who share the common values of ‘Passion', ‘Noble' and ‘Commitment'. The Cadre provides a round-the-clock contingency service that saves lives and resolves crisis situations through negotiation. Given its crisis intervention capabilities, it can be deployed to handle terrorist and criminal hostage incidents as well as performing suicide intervention and managing negotiations at major public order events.
The PNC conducts regular joint exercises with key stakeholders, and participates in international negotiators' conferences and training programmes. It also organises crisis negotiation and suicide intervention workshops for members of other disciplinary services, social workers, school principals and discipline masters, and mental health professionals.
In 2016, the PNC completed a first-of-its-kind research project with the University of Hong Kong on individuals who had aborted their suicide attempts after persuasion from Police negotiators. The study helped practitioners and academics better understand both the suicidal and post-suicidal processes.
The Police Negotiation Cadre conducts regular exercise to enhance negotiating skills.
The Briefing Support Unit is an integral part of the Force's counter terrorism response capability. The primary role of the Unit is to construct scale models in support of operational planning, and to conduct briefings on terrorist incidents. In recent years, the Unit has also contributed to investigations and inquests in relation to a number of major incidents.
Members of the Briefing Support Unit producing a scale model to support an investigation.
In 2016, the Force Escort Group (FEG) contributed 2,101man-days in escort operations. This translated into 102 mobilisations of various types, which included the escort of visiting VIPs and of the People's Liberation Army Hong Kong Garrison. The Group also escorted arms and ammunition, and some items of high value.
During the year, the FEG was involved in a number of operations with significant security, ceremonial and celebratory significance. These included the visit of the Rio Olympic Games Mainland Olympians delegation, the Police College 10th Anniversary Open Day, and the FEG 30th Anniversary.
During the year, FEG officers visited the Shenzhen Municipal Public Security Bureau Traffic Police Detachment, and the Australian Capital Territory Police in Canberra, Australia. These visits were of great use in enhancing the professional skills of FEG members and widening their international exposure.
The Force Escort Group staged a performance at the Police College 10th Anniversary Open Day.
The Police Licensing Office is responsible for issuing various types of licences and permits, as well as processing the registrations of societies, and reviewing and implementing licensing policies. In addition, the Office facilitates the work of other licensing authorities, and co-ordinates Force policy on public order events.
In 2016, a total of 912 sets of conditions imposed in respect of notifiable public order events were uploaded to the Police Public Page and the Hong Kong Police Mobile Application. In addition, the Office issued 78,736 Security Personnel Permits, 10,292 Societies Registrations, 4,437 Arms Licences, 206 Pawnbroker Licences and 91 Massage Establishment Licences. The Office also assisted other licensing authorities to process 5,504 Liquor Licences and 1,848 Money Lenders Licences applications.
During the year, the Office arranged an annual visit to liquor licensed premises for Liquor Licensing Board (LLB) members and representatives of relevant Government departments, in which the visitors were given an overview of the operation of these premises. Since August 2015, the maximum validity period of Liquor Licences has been extended from one to two years. The Office is monitoring the new policy and passing on Police comments to the LLB in relevant cases.
In December 2016, the Financial Services and the Treasury Bureau imposed 10 additional licensing conditions on licensed money lenders, with the aim of tackling certain malpractices among financial intermediaries. These new measures will make it easier to enforce the statutory ban on money lenders and financial intermediaries imposing separate fee on borrowers. The Office has been facilitating the implementation of the enhanced regulatory measures, and is now monitoring the situation. In June 2017 a review of the new arrangements will be conducted, during which the Office will be ready to offer advice.
The Police Licensing Office is responsible for processing and issuing various types of licences, permits and registrations for societies.
The Occupational Safety and Health Cadre provides Force members with training in risk assessment, risk management and accident investigation, with a view to achieving Force-wide compliance with the Occupational Safety and Health Ordinance.
During the year, the Cadre provided training leading to occupational safety and health qualifications for over 680 Force members, along with safety induction training for over 2,200 new recruits at the Police College. On behalf of the Force, members of the Cadre were invited by the Civil Service Bureau in January to introduce the Force Safety Management System at the Experience Sharing Seminar on Occupational Safety and Health. Members of the Cadre also attended international health and safety conferences held in London, Singapore and Wuhan in June, August and October respectively.
In 2016, the Police Public Relations Branch (PPRB) continued its partnership initiatives with both the media and the wider community to enlist public support for the work of the Force. Information about Police activities was shared with the media on a 24-hour basis throughout the year, via the PPRB's interactive electronic platform. In addition, the recently established Force Media Liaison Cadre has been working to foster mutual understanding and respect between the Police and the media, and enhance their interactions in operational situations.
The PPRB has continued to utilise the Internet and social media platforms, such as the Police Public Page, the Police Mobile Application, the Police YouTube channel, the Police Facebook page, and the Police Instagram account, to communicate with the public.
PPRB publications that appeared during the year included the fortnightly newspaper OffBeat, the monthly Junior Police Call (JPC) Newsletter, the quarterly Senior Police Call (SPC) Newsletter, and the annual Hong Kong Police Review. In addition, the TV programmes Police Magazine, Police Report and Police Bulletin were all broadcast regularly, providing information about crime trends, crime prevention measures and the work being done by different units in the Force. The PPRB also assisted local and overseas TV broadcasters and film production companies with various dramas, documentaries and films related to Police work, and liaised with various Government agencies on location filming. The PPRB also helped the Fight Crime Committee in planning and implementing its publicity campaigns.
The Force launched the HKP Instagram account in November with a view to fostering community participation and expanding its communication platforms.
A Force Media Liaison Cadre member assisting the media at an event.
Police Community Relations Officers are important channels by which members of the public are kept informed about Police policies and operational priorities. The JPC Scheme and the Police School Liaison Programme serve as valuable bridges between the Police and young people in Hong Kong.
The PPRB is currently setting up a JPC Permanent Activity Centre and Integrated Youth Training Camp in the Pat Heung area. The centre is expected to commence operation in 2017, when it will serve JPC and SPC members, students, youth organisations and members of non-ethnic Chinese (NEC) communities.
In 2016, Project TRANSLINK was implemented in all 67 report rooms and reporting centres across the territory. It provides instant interpretation services in seven common NEC languages, making it easier for NEC residents to file reports at Police report rooms. In addition, a number of Police Community Liaison Assistants were recruited and tasked with building long-term relationships with members of NEC communities.
The PPRB SPC Scheme continued to share messages relating to crime prevention and personal safety with the elderly. It covers 21 Police districts with over 5,300 members.
This year, 80 members of the public received awards under the Police's Good Citizen Award scheme (sponsored by the Hong Kong General Chamber of Commerce), in recognition of the help they provided to the Police in fighting crime.
Senior Police Call members together sewed badges on scarves, setting a record for the “Most people sewing simultaneously” in the GUINNESS WORLD RECORDSTM。
Junior Police Call members participating in an anti-drug game at the Fight Crime Summer Camp.
Forty citizens who had helped the Police fight crime were commended at the Good Citizen Award Presentation Ceremony 2016 Phase II.
The Enhanced Driver Safety System, which was introduced for Police vehicles in 2014, has led to a reduction in the number of casualties from traffic accidents and has had a positive influence on the driving habits of Police drivers. In 2016 the system underwent a successful trial for Police large motorcycles, and will now be extended to all large motorcycles. The Transport Division will continue sourcing and testing new vehicles and safety equipment to support the work of frontline officers.
The Force works in partnership with the community, and adopts a multi-agency approach to improve road safety and traffic congestion. One of its initiatives is the Selected Traffic Enforcement Priorities programme, implemented to change undesirable behaviour of road users that cause accidents or obstruct traffic flow through enhanced public engagement and enforcement actions.
Traffic Police officers taking enforcement action against drivers obstructing traffic flow.
The Hong Kong Auxiliary Police Force supports the frontline crowd management operations and beat patrol duties of the regular Force. In 2016, the Auxiliary Police Force attracted new volunteers from all walks of life, including men and women in full-time employment and university students. The Auxiliary Force has an establishment of 4,500 members.
Auxiliary Police officers taking part in a crowd safety management operation.
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