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CPPU is vested with the following responsibilities in respect of child abuse, domestic violence, sexual violence, elder abuse, juvenile crime and child pornography:
(1) Formulation and Implementation of Force Policies
As a policy unit, CPPU is responsible for devising and formulating Force policies and procedures in handling child abuse, domestic violence, sexual violence, elder abuse, juvenile crime and child pornography to ensure a co-ordinated police response to reports of these cases.
(2) Liaison with Other Government Departments and Non-Governmental Organizations
There are currently three respective government working groups to examine and deal with problems of child abuse, elder abuse and the use of violence, including domestic and sexual violence, and to map out preventive strategies. Superintendent of Police (Crime Support) is a member of the three working groups and is constantly keeping the Force abreast of the latest developments in government policies. CPPU also works closely with individual government departments and non-governmental organizations on multi-disciplinary procedures, inter-agency co-operation, training and co-ordination relating to these areas.
(3) Monitoring Trends of Child Abuse, Domestic Violence, Sexual Violence, Elder Abuse, Juvenile Crime and Child Pornography
ln order to improve police service for victims and cope with any changing patterns in these cases, CPPU monitors local and overseas trends of child abuse, domestic violence, elder abuse, sexual violence, juvenile crime and child pornography cases. CPPU also examines cases of special interest.
(4) Legislation
CPPU constantly reviews the Force's policies and procedures relating to child protection, domestic violence, sexual violence, elder abuse and juvenile delinquency to keep in line with the changes in legislation and Government policy. In response to prevailing local and international crime situations, CPPU may also initiate and assist in the making of new laws.
(5) Liaison with Overseas Law Enforcement Agencies and NGOs
CPPU keeps regular contact with overseas law enforcement agencies and non-governmental organizations on new initiatives and practices in child protection, domestic violence, sexual violence, elder abuse, juvenile crime and child pornography.
To this end, police officers of CPPU regularly attend Interpol Specialist Group on Crimes Against Children meetings, an international forum where law enforcement agencies and non-governmental organizations from many other countries work together. The purpose of the meeting is to exchange information and experience and to continue the development of co-operation between member countries and international non-governmental organizations in combating crimes against children.
The Child Abduction and Custody Ordinance, Cap. 512, was enacted in 1997 to give effect in Hong Kong to the Hague Convention on the Civil Aspects of International Child Abduction signed in October 1980. CPPU is responsible for co-ordinating all requests from the Central Authority of Hong Kong, i.e. the Secretary for Justice, for assistance in handling abduction cases in which a child has been wrongfully detained or removed from custodial care or his/her habitual place of residence.
(6) Training
CPPU co-ordinates and jointly develops with Social Welfare Department (SWD) on the basic and refresher training in child protection special investigation and video recorded interviews of vulnerable witnesses. Suitable police officers, social workers and clinical psychologists of SWD are selected for the training.
CPPU also co-organizes training with other departments and non-governmental organizations and invites overseas speakers to conduct training on various subjects relating to child abuse, domestic violence, sexual violence, elder abuse and juvenile crime.
(7) Witness Support Programme
The Criminal Procedure Ordinance, Cap. 221, stipulates that vulnerable witnesses giving evidence via a live television link may be accompanied by an adult acceptable to the court, namely a support person. As such, Witness Support Programme was launched in November 1996 by SWD and the Police with the aim to provide children and mentally incapacitated witnesses with practical information and emotional support to facilitate them to give evidence in court. The programme is administered by SWD. CPPU co-ordinates and processes all requests for support person from crime units which are referred to SWD for subsequent arrangement.
(8) Research on Related Issues
CPPU works closely with local universities and other research institutes/associations on research projects. Any members of the Force pursuing academic studies on research projects in relation to child abuse, domestic violence, sexual violence, elder abuse and juvenile crime related subjects are most welcome to approach CPPU for advice or assistance.
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