[ Foreword ] [ Memorable Events ] [ The Hand of Partnership ] [ Operations ] [ Regional Commanders' Report ] [ Personnel and Training ]
[ Management Services ]
[ Finance, Administration and Planning ] [ Environmental Report ] [ Organisation ]
[ Appendices ]
Hong Kong continued to enjoy a safe and secure law and order environment in 2017. The overall number of crimes dropped by 7.6 per cent from 60,646 to 56,017. Violent crimes fell by 10.1 per cent from 10,103 cases to 9,086 cases. For every 100,000 people, 758 crimes were reported, compared with 827 cases in 2016. Of these 123 cases were classified as violent crime, as against 138 cases in 2016. Detection rates stood at 48.2 per cent for overall crime and 64.5 per cent for violent crime, respectively up by 0.9 and 2.9 percentage points when compared with 2016.
Apart from increases in cases of missing vehicles and indecent assault, decreases were noted for most key crimes, including blackmail, robbery, burglary, homicide, serious drug offences, rape, wounding and serious assault, and theft. The numbers of robbery and burglary cases in 2017 were lower than they have ever been since 1969, and none of the robbery cases involved the use of genuine firearms. Technology crime continued to fall in 2017, with a total of 5,567 cases reported, representing a decrease of 6.3 per cent. The total loss incurred from technology crime cases also dropped by nearly 40 per cent.
Commissioner Lo Wai-chung (centre), Deputy Commissioner (Operations) Lau Yip-shing (left) and Deputy Commissioner (Management) Chiu Wai-yin (right) at a press conference at which they reviewed the crime situation in 2017.
The Organized Crime and Triad Bureau combats organised and serious crime and triad activities through proactive, intelligence-led operations.
In July, a new Division (D Division) was established in the Bureau to enhance its investigative capabilities. In addition to triad and organised crime, D Division also handles investigations relating to major public disorder situations, major disasters and terrorist attacks.
Between March and August, the Bureau mounted a series of joint operations with the Guangdong and Macao Police, resulting in the arrest of a total of 5,439 persons for various offences and the seizure of crime proceeds worth over $18 million.
During the year, the Bureau also actively participated in the investigation and prosecution of cases relating to the Mongkok riot of 2016.
Police arrested more than 5,400 people and seized over $18 million in crime proceeds in a tripartite anti-crime operation mounted by the Hong Kong, Guangdong and Macao Police authorities between March and August.
The Criminal Intelligence Bureau provides intelligence support for major operations and serious crime investigations, and implements a wide range of measures, including training courses and system upgrades, 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, engaging in training collaborations and maintaining a robust system for the exchange of intelligence.
The Commercial Crime Bureau tackles serious and/or complex cases of fraud, money laundering and the use of counterfeit monetary instruments, both in Hong Kong and overseas.
In May, the Bureau introduced the new ‘Fraud and Money Laundering Intelligence Taskforce’, a collaborative project carried out with the Hong Kong Monetary Authority, the Hong Kong Association of Banks, and a number of individual local banks. Through regular meetings and enhanced exchange of intelligence, the various parties have continued to work together to better prevent, detect and disrupt serious financial crime and money laundering activities in Hong Kong.
In July, the Bureau established the Anti-Deception Coordination Centre (ADCC) to step up action against deception and enhance public awareness of the different kinds of scams currently operating. The ADCC is responsible for formulating strategic directions, enhancing public support services and monitoring trends in crimes of deception, and it also works to co-ordinate different stakeholders in running publicity campaigns. It operates a 24-hour ‘Anti-Scam Helpline’ (18222) which provides instant advice and support services for the general public.
In August, the Force and the Securities and Futures Commission (SFC) entered into a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to formalise and further strengthen their co-operation in combatting financial crime. The MoU covers a range of different areas relating to collaboration, including referral of cases, joint investigations, exchange and use of information and the mutual provision of investigative assistance. More generally, it establishes a framework for closer collaboration between the Force and the SFC on policy, operational and training issues.
The year 2017 marked the 70th anniversary of the Bureau. As it always has done, the Bureau continued to embrace an intelligence-led approach to its duties and maintain close co-operation with local and international partners as it combats commercial crime and various types of fraud.
The Force and the Securities and Futures Commission entered into a Memorandum of Understanding to formalise and further strengthen co-operation in combatting financial crime.
The Anti-Deception Coordination Centre operates a 24-hour ‘Anti-Scam Helpline’, providing instant advice and support services for the general public.
The Cyber Security and Technology Crime Bureau combats technology crimes, and works to maintain the safety of Hong Kong’s cyberspace through its partnerships with community groups, relevant stakeholders, and overseas LEAs.
The Bureau carried on with its Cyber Defender Project throughout the year. The project offers protection against cyber threats, assessment of cyber threats and associated educational tools to different sectors of the community. Concerted efforts together with various stakeholders, including online service providers and the community of cyber security practitioners, saw a number of cyber security events being organised. One of these was the Cyber Security Professionals Awards, which recognised the excellence, innovation and leadership of top cyber security practitioners. These events proved effective in recognising eminent cyber security practitioners, strengthening the cyber resilience of Government bureaux/departments, and protecting computers from being infected by botnets. The Cyber Defender Project won the Meritorious Award under the Team Award (General Public Service) in the Civil Service Outstanding Service Award Scheme 2017.
In October, the Bureau mounted a joint operation with the Royal Malaysia Police to combat transnational Romance Scams. The Royal Malaysia Police arrested four core syndicate members in Malaysia in the operation, while the Hong Kong Police arrested seven persons suspected to be linked with 56 cases in Hong Kong and Malaysia involving crime proceeds of up to $30 million.
In November and December, training officers from the Bureau were invited by INTERPOL to provide training in technology crime investigation to overseas counterparts in Fiji and Indonesia.
The award presentation ceremony of the Cyber Security Professionals Awards was held in January.
The award presentation ceremony of the Cyber Security Professionals Awards was held in January.
The Narcotics Bureau collaborates with Mainland and overseas LEAs in the fight against transnational drug trafficking. These strategic partnerships led to 20 successful joint operations in the year, and the seizure of 2,798 kg of illicit drugs. Locally, the Bureau uncovered 30 serious drugs cases, leading to the arrest of 77 persons and the seizure of 1,735 kg of illicit drugs. The Bureau also organised the 3rd Symposium on Drugs Enforcement in the Cross-Strait cum Hong Kong and Macao along with two narcotics command courses, activities that strengthened working partnerships with cross-strait law enforcement counterparts.
Under the co-ordination of the Security Bureau, the Narcotics Bureau works closely with other stakeholders to facilitate legislative amendments and devise effective intervention strategies in response to the emergence of new psychoactive substances.
The Narcotics Bureau seized about 20kg of cocaine during an operation in July.
The Joint Financial Intelligence Unit (JFIU) and the Financial Investigations Division (FID) under the Narcotics Bureau combat money laundering and terrorist financing activities. The Bureau’s Money Laundering and Terrorist Financing Risk Assessment Unit (RAU) assists the Government in co-ordinating risk assessment exercises in Hong Kong. The JFIU, the FID and the RAU have been actively preparing for the Financial Action Task Force’s Mutual Evaluation on Hong Kong in 2018, which will critically assess the robustness and effectiveness of the local anti-money laundering and counter-financing of terrorism regime against global standards.
The JFIU exchanged financial intelligence with local and overseas counterparts during the year, while JFIU officers organised seminars for financial institutions and designated non-financial businesses and professions to communicate important anti-money laundering messages. In 2017, the efforts of the FID and other investigation units of the Force resulted in 83 persons being convicted for money laundering offences, with a total of $50.11 million restrained and $331.49 million confiscated.
The Bureau also played an active role in the international conferences of the Financial Action Task Force, the Asia/Pacific Group on Money Laundering, and the Egmont Group of Financial Intelligence Units.
The Crime Prevention Bureau offers crime prevention advice by producing leaflets for overseas visitors, holding media briefings, seminars, and exhibitions of security equipment, and running promotions through the Police e-platforms. The Bureau also provides independent security advice and crime prevention recommendations to Government departments, commercial and retail organisations, and the public at large. The Bureau has continued to partner with the security industry to help ensure that security companies and their personnel are providing high quality services.
The Force’s ‘Robotcop’ delivering crime prevention messages to kindergarten children. 。
The Crime Prevention Bureau produces a range of souvenirs carrying crime prevention messages.
The Liaison Bureau works to establish and maintain strong and effective partnerships with Mainland, Macao and Taiwan authorities and INTERPOL members.
In 2017, the Bureau hosted the 23rd Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Tripartite Heads of Criminal Investigation Department Meeting in Hong Kong, and co-ordinated the Force’s participation in the 25th Bilateral Meeting Since Unification Between Mainland Public Security Authorities and Hong Kong Police Force, held in Guilin. It also arranged high-level exchanges with international strategic partners, including meetings with the chiefs of police from INTERPOL member countries during the 86th INTERPOL General Assembly held in Beijing.
During the year, the Bureau actively encouraged frontline criminal investigation officers to use INTERPOL Integrated Tools and Services. It also co-ordinated efforts to enable police officers to take part in INTERPOL’s joint operations and training programmes, thus giving frontline officers a better grasp of the latest trends in transnational criminal activities while at the same time enhancing their investigative skills.
The Identification Bureau provides professional fingerprint examinations, firearms-related forensic services, DNA collection, and photographic services to the Force and other LEAs.
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, domestic, family and sexual violence, as well as cases involving mentally incapacitated persons. The Unit adopts a multi-agency and cross-disciplinary approach to assist frontline units in tackling such offences.
The Major Incident Investigation and Disaster Support System has been upgraded to its third generation version. It is assisting Force units and other Government departments in managing large quantities of data and crime information, thus 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.
In August, the Major Incidents Bureau was established under the Operations Wing to help the Force become better prepared for responding to major incidents. The Bureau oversees the Force’s overall strategy and specific policies on the policing of major incidents, as well as auditing the Force’s preparedness and response capabilities for such incidents. It comprises three divisions, namely the Exercise and Audit Division, the Major Events Planning Division and the Police Public Engagement Office.
The Police Public Engagement Office (PPEO) engages with various stakeholders and organisations to ensure that public order events run smoothly and peacefully. Due to the importance of the duties performed by the PPEO, the office was expanded in 2017. In addition to its regular work, the PPEO now also provides training in engagement to frontline officers through the newly-initiated Public Events Engagement Course.
In 2017, the Force Search Unit (FSU) played an important role in the security operations surrounding the visits of foreign dignitaries and the celebrations for the 20th Anniversary of the Establishment of the HKSAR. Between April and July, a number of defensive venue searches and security screening operations were conducted by nearly 500 FSU cadre members, who were equipped with advanced search and screening equipment and accompanied by explosives sniffer dogs.
The Force Search Unit officers conducting a venue search during the events in celebration of the 20th Anniversary of the Establishment of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region.
The Counter Terrorism and Internal Security Division is responsible for formulating and implementing Force-level policies and orders relating to counter terrorism (CT) and internal security. The Division keeps a close watch on international trends in terrorist activities, and regularly reviews the effectiveness of the Force’s CT contingency plans. It also works in collaboration with other Government departments and private organisations to enhance public alertness to and education about CT.
Operating under the Division, the Counter Terrorism Response Unit has a remit to protect critical infrastructure and sensitive premises. The Unit is also an operational resource in support of CT operations and other major Police operations. To ensure it is always ready to respond effectively to terrorist incidents, the Unit takes part in regular training activities and exercises with other operational units. In 2017, focus was placed on the interoperability of frontline units in response to ‘lone wolf’ and ‘active shooter’ attacks. In May, an inter-departmental exercise codenamed HARDSHIELD was conducted which tested the capabilities of relevant departments in response to a major terrorist attack, and assessed the level of co-operation between them.
An inter-departmental counter terrorism exercise, codenamed HARDSHIELD, was conducted at the Auxiliary Police Force Headquarters in Kowloon Bay.
An inter-departmental counter terrorism exercise, codenamed HARDSHIELD, was conducted at the Auxiliary Police Force Headquarters in Kowloon Bay.
In 2017, the Police Dog Unit managed 120 dogs trained for patrolling, drug detection, tracking, and explosives searches. Following increasing numbers of requests for visits to the Unit from schools and charitable organisations, the Unit’s Kwun Tong Operational Base was opened to accommodate more visits in 2017, hosting 79 such visits in total.
Children on a visit to the Police Dog Unit Operational Base.
The Police Tactical Unit Headquarters (PTU HQ) is responsible for providing a wide range of training to the Force, including Leadership and Command, Internal Security, Crowd Management, Public Order Policing, Rural and Physical Training. This training is equipping PTU Companies with the knowledge and skills needed in a wide range of operational situations, from anti-crime operations to public disorder situations and riots.
In 2017, PTU HQ committed significant resources to acquiring better arms and equipment and improving tactics. The newly developed tactical format, known as the Public Disorder Formation, strengthens a Company’s ability to deal with various public disorder situations and offers better support to frontline officers in terms of improved personal protection and a wider range of tactical options to select from.
PTU HQ runs regular training for tiered Companies and Regional Response Contingents, all designed to ensure that officers have the standardised professional knowledge and competency they need in the face of new challenges.
Officers of the Special Tactical Contingent receiving regular training.
The Explosive Ordnance Disposal Bureau continued to provide a professional service for dealing with improvised explosive devices, conventional munitions and Chemical, Biological, Radiological and Nuclear incidents. Apart from providing regular training to frontline units and other Government departments, one highlight of the year was its participation in a series of high profile security operations. Specialist officers also delivered expert advice to both the Government and the courts throughout the year, along with lectures and training at various local and overseas conferences.
A Bomb Disposal Officer removing an explosive device in a counter terrorism exercise.
The Force Rope Access Cadre (FRAC) continued to promote operational safety by supporting frontline units 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 units within the Force and some external organisations. Additional safety equipment was procured to enhance the Cadre’s operational safety and the effectiveness of its work.
FRAC is always looking to raise its professional knowledge and standards by participating in local and overseas training and visits. In 2017, cadre members obtained qualifications relating to metal scaffolding and gondola operations from local institutions, and others visited the United Kingdom and France where they were able to share knowledge and techniques with their counterparts.
A Force Rope Access Cadre member (left) handling a protest at the Golden Bauhinia Square.
The Police Negotiation Cadre (PNC) consists of 83 dedicated volunteer police officers, who share the common values of ‘Passion’, ‘Nobility’ and ‘Commitment’. The Cadre provides a round-the-clock contingency negotiation service to save lives and resolve crisis situations. Its crisis intervention capabilities mean that 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 Cadre conducts regular joint exercises with key stakeholders, and participates in international conferences and training programmes. It also organises crisis negotiation and suicide intervention workshops for members of other disciplinary services, as well as social workers, mental health professionals, school principals and discipline masters.
In 2017, the PNC was the winner of a suicide prevention video competition organised by the Hong Kong Jockey Club Centre for Suicide Research and Prevention of the University of Hong Kong. It also continued to conduct evidence-based research on suicide prevention and intervention in collaboration with the University of Hong Kong.
The Briefing Support Unit (BSU) 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 for terrorist incidents and post-incident investigations. In 2017, the BSU introduced the latest 3D printing technology to further enhance its modelling construction capabilities.
In 2017, the Force Escort Group (FEG) contributed 2,788 man-days and 100 mobilisations for escort operations of various types, which included the escort of visiting VIPs, the People’s Liberation Army Hong Kong Garrison, arms and ammunition, and valuable property.
During the year, the FEG was involved in a number of security operations. These included operations surrounding visits by the President of the Republic of Indonesia, Mr Joko Widodo, the President of the Republic of the Philippines, Mr Rodrigo Roa Duterte, the Prime Minister of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan, Mr Muhammad Nawaz Sharif, the Prime Minister of New Zealand, Mr Bill English, the President of the People’s Republic of China, Mr Xi Jinping, and the Prime Minister of the Commonwealth of Australia, Mr Malcolm Turnbull.
To enhance the professional knowledge and skills of its officers, as well as widen their international exposure through interaction and the sharing of knowledge with overseas counterparts, during the year the FEG arranged visits for its officers to the Queensland Police Service in Australia, and to the Royal Canadian Mounted Police.
The Force Escort Group was involved in a number of Force-wide security operations during the year.
The Force Escort Group was involved in a number of Force-wide security operations during the year.
The Police Licensing Office is responsible for issuing various types of licences and permits, as well as processing the registration 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.
During the year, the Office arranged an annual visit to liquor-licensed premises in Western and Yau Tsim Districts for Liquor Licensing Board (LLB) members and representatives of relevant Government departments, during which the participants were given an overview of the liquor business environment and operations. In March, the LLB launched the Reserve Licensee Scheme, which aims to minimise disruption to the operation of liquor-licensed premises in case where a licensee departs suddenly. As a key stakeholder, the Office is monitoring the new scheme and will pass on suggestions for enhancements to the LLB.
In December 2016, 10 additional licensing conditions for licensed money lenders were implemented by the Financial Services and the Treasury Bureau (FSTB). The Office has been monitoring the effectiveness of these new conditions in tackling malpractices amongst financial intermediaries, and offering advice to the FSTB. It shared its feedback with the FSTB in a review of the new arrangements at the end of 2017.
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 700 Force members, along with safety induction training for over 2,700 new recruits at the Police College. Members of the Cadre attended international health and safety conferences held in Singapore, the Czech Republic and England, updating themselves on best international health and safety practices.
In 2017, the Police Public Relations Branch (PPRB) continued its partnership initiatives with both the media and the wider community with the aim of enlisting 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 Force Media Liaison Cadre has continued to be active in work to foster mutual understanding and respect between the Police and the media, and to enhance the partnership, especially at the operational level.
The PPRB has continued to utilise the Internet and social media to communicate with the media and the general public. Platforms have included the Police Public Page, the Police Mobile Application, the Police YouTube channel, the Police Facebook page, and the Police Instagram account. During the year, the PPRB organised a symposium for police officers, representatives from other government departments, local and overseas scholars and law enforcement officers, at which the use of social media to achieve policing and community engagement goals was a focus.
The PPRB produced several informative publications during the year, including 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. Assistance was provided by the PPRB to the Fight Crime Committee in planning and implementing the committee’s publicity campaigns.
An officer from the Police Public Relations Branch sharing his experience in public relations and media engagement with journalism students.
One of the key roles of Police Community Relations Officers is to keep members of the public informed about Police policies and operational priorities. Social media platforms and other conventional channels are also used to disseminate community education messages relating to crime prevention and police work to members of the public. The JPC Scheme and the Police School Liaison Programme have continued to serve as valuable bridges between the Police and young people in Hong Kong.
The PPRB's new JPC@Pat Heung was officially opened on August 10. It serves JPC and SPC members, students, youth organisations and ethnic minorities. The purpose of the centre is to instil positive values in young people, enhance their self-confidence, pass on leadership skills, and raise their consciousness of the need to uphold the law. This is done through a wide range of activities, including physical training, leadership camps and career guidance workshops.
The PPRB SPC Scheme continued to share messages relating to crime prevention and personal safety with the elderly, in a scheme that includes over 8,700 members in 21 Police districts.
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.
A group of Junior Police Call members perform at the talent contest at the Fight Crime Summer Camp.
Over 600 Senior Police Call members and guests attended the launching ceremony of “Share the Love – Senior Police Call” to express their care for the elderly.
In 2017, the Transport Division donated four retired Police vehicles (an Armoured Personnel Carrier, two Mobile Command Units, and a large motorcycle) to the JPC@Pat Heung. These vehicles will become a part of the facilities available there, and will help expand users’ understanding of police work.
To encourage members of the public to be responsible road users, the Force has adopted a multi-agency approach with the aim of raising awareness of road safety, and explaining the rationale behind its stringent crackdown on Selected Traffic Enforcement Priorities (STEP) offences. It has used social media to get these messages across, information about STEP has been published on the Police website, and the media have also been proactively engaged.
In collaboration with the Road Safety Council and Hong Kong Road Safety Association, Traffic Branch Headquarters initiated Project ANGEL in the school year of 2016/17. The project aims at engaging young people and getting them to promote road safety through their influence with family and peers.
Project ANGEL provides leadership training and development programme to young participants.
The Central Traffic Prosecutions Division follows up fixed penalty tickets issued by Regional staff and applications for traffic summonses including possible disputes and judicial process. It is also responsible for the administration of traffic warrants and the delivery of traffic summonses.
The Central Traffic Camera Investigation Unit of the Division is responsible for enquiring into and prosecuting violations detected by the Traffic Enforcement Camera systems such as speed enforcement and red light cameras.
A police officer asking a driver to take a breathalyser test.
Traffic wardens are responsible for enforcing the Fixed Penalty (Traffic Contraventions) Ordinance, issuing fixed penalty tickets under the Motor Vehicle Idling (Fixed Penalty) Ordinance, and controlling and regulating vehicular traffic and pedestrians.
A traffic warden issuing a fixed penalty ticket to an illegally parked vehicle.
The Hong Kong Auxiliary Police Force supports the frontline crowd management operations and beat patrol duties of the regular Force. In the financial year 2016/17, the Auxiliary Police Force enrolled 219 new volunteers from all walks of life. The Auxiliary Police Force currently has an establishment of 4,501 members.
Auxiliary Police officers performing crowd management duties during a fireworks display.
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