| The past year has been another
challenging and demanding one for the Force as well as the Hong Kong
community as a whole. The year commenced with the onset of the Severe
Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS), a crisis to which the Force responded
with great commitment and efficiency, earning itself just praise.
SARS aggravated an already weak local economy and strained further
an unsettled public. By the middle of the year sections of the public
took to the streets in demonstrations of discontent. The efficient
manner in which these demonstrations were policed reflected great
credit on the professionalism of the Force. As the spread of SARS
was contained, the Force committed itself to actively supporting the
campaign to re-launch Hong Kong by taking the lead in ensuring the
smooth flow of crowds and traffic at various international and local
events.
Given these additional and unexpected commitments
during the year, I was particularly pleased to report at the year's
end that the law and order situation remained stable. Despite an
overall rise in crime, the numbers in respect of homicide, rape
and robbery, both with and without firearms, decreased. This is
particularly satisfying as one of our six operational targets set
for 2003 was to maintain the fight against violent crime and in
particular those crimes involving the use of firearms. There was
in fact not a single case of robbery involving genuine firearms
throughout the year. In addition to the reduction in the numbers
of such crimes, 12 armed gangs were successfully neutralised with
67 suspects arrested and a total of 28 firearms seized. Success
in this target is dependent on, and was achieved with, close and
effective co-operation with our Mainland and overseas counterparts
as well as an effective exchange of intelligence. In the related
target of combating triad crime the Force has built on the successes
of 2002. During 2003, a further series of anti-triad operations
were conducted, resulting in the arrest of 303 persons and the neutralisation
of four triad gangs.
Throughout the year our efforts continued against
the trafficking and abuse of dangerous drugs and in particular psychotropic
substances by young persons. The total number of persons arrested
for offences involving psychotropic drugs fell 14 per cent while
the same offences involving young persons dropped by a pleasing
24.6 per cent when compared with 2002.
World events continued to require our utmost vigilance
as the potential for terrorist attacks remained during 2003. These
threats are unlikely to recede in the short term and a continued
emphasis will be placed on maintaining the security of Hong Kong.
On a brighter note, the latter part of 2003 saw encouraging signs
in the local economy as well as the return of tourists and visitors
after the containment of SARS. This was particularly evident during
the "Golden Week" holidays in October, which saw unprecedented
numbers of visitors entering via the boundary crossing points. Again
forward planning and close co-operation with our colleagues in other
departments and the Mainland achieved a smooth flow of the vast
numbers of arriving and departing visitors.
Looking forward the Force has again identified
the key challenges that it will face in 2004 and has devised strategies
to deal with these through seven operational targets. Firstly, we
will build on our successes in 2003 against violent crime, in particular,
crime involving firearms and our enhanced liaison with Mainland
and overseas enforcement agencies will be further developed and
refined. A vital factor in combating violent crime is deterrence
and therefore we must maintain a strong and visible police presence
notwithstanding the manpower constraints now facing the Force.
The recent encouraging increase in tourists
and visitors to Hong Kong, whilst helping our economy, also provides
"quick cash" criminals with greater opportunities for
crimes such as snatching and pickpocketing. Major publicity efforts
will be conducted to remind and educate both visitors and the public
to protect their property. These will be supported by the mounting
of proactive operations against "quick cash" criminals.
I have introduced a new operational target for
2004, that of Road Safety. Through a combination of focused enforcement
action and public education, it is intended to make our roads safer
and thereby reduce the social and economic toll of road traffic
accidents. Frontline traffic officers will continue to be supported
in their duties by specialised training and by the latest technology
in terms of vehicles and equipment.
Economically and socially 2003 ended more positively
than it began. However this does not alter the fact that the Force
continues and will continue to face both budgetary and manpower
constraints in the year ahead. Despite this, the present law and
order situation remains stable with public support for and confidence
in its police force high. I have no doubt that the professionalism
and dedication of the Force will ensure that Hong Kong remains a
safe and secure city in which to live, visit and do business in
2004 and in the years to come.
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