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A
strong visible Police presence coupled with a fast, effective response
to emergencies and major incidents contributed directly to the stable
crime situation seen in Hong Kong during 2001. The Force's new year
objective to maintain a low crime environment in Hong Kong proved
successful last year, when despite the ongoing economic downturn,
the HKSAR witnessed a general decline in most categories of crime.
With overall crime down by an encouraging 5.5 per cent and violent
crime dropping to its lowest levels in 27 years, the overall picture
was generally very positive.
However,
some specific areas of concern modified the picture of a positive
downward trend. The general drop in violent crime, for example,
did not obviate the fact that several violent episodes took place
during the course of the year. This included several incidents in
which firearms were discharged, two of which led to police officers
being shot. We also witnessed an upsurge in the number of opportunist
bank robberies. Thankfully, however, the occasions in which firearms
were used proved to be isolated incidents and not indicative of
any overall increase in armed crime. Similarly, the increase in
bank robberies proved to be a short-lived phenomenon, which was
quickly curtailed by the Force's prompt response.
Force commitments during 2001 were not
confined to the prevention and detection of crime. The September
11 terrorist attacks in the US and their aftermath called for a
heightened level of alert and preparedness in communities around
the world. Although the HKSAR with its many international interests
has so far not been identified as a specific terrorist target, the
potential threat to Hong Kong necessitated, and received an effective
response from the Hong Kong Police Force.
The security of three major international
economic fora, policing of over 2,300 public order events and a
daily commitment to a myriad of routine policing responsibilities
throughout the year also raised a series of diverse challenges for
the Force; challenges that were, I am pleased to note, successfully
met.
The Force also pushed forward with a series
of new, as well as ongoing management-related initiatives. The Force
continued to improve its effectiveness and to better equip itself
to meet the aspirations of the public in various ways. These included
plans for a full revamp of the design and manufacture of our Force
uniforms, as well as the renovation of 16 further reporting facilities
in police stations under the Station Improvement Project. The Force's
ongoing commitment to IT development also underlined our determination
to further enhance our organisational efficiency and effectiveness.
In this regard, 2001 saw the Force receiving funding approval for
a new, world-class communications system for our frontline officers.
We also made significant advances in the development of our internal
knowledge management structures, and electronic communications network.
Taking these achievements and initiatives
forward in 2002 will require an excellent structure and meticulous
planning. As a Force already operating in a rapidly changing environment,
the Hong Kong Police must adhere to its principles of responsiveness
to change, and be imaginative in its approach to policing challenges.
To this end, Senior Force Management has drawn up a Three Year Strategic
Action Plan for the Force. By setting out the operational and management
priorities to take us forward, this Plan will help ensure that the
services we provide continue to meet the needs of the community.
Through
addressing these priorities and implementing them effectively, I
am confident that the Force will be in an excellent position to
face the challenges ahead. We must be realistic in accepting that
just like any law enforcement body serving its community throughout
the world, we will be unable to eradicate all crime, prevent all
untoward incidents from happening or satisfy the needs of every
individual in society at any given time. However, we can strive
to provide what I believe to be the next best thing. By this I mean
our ability to provide a firm, effective deterrent to potential
crime, a prompt professional response to all events that do occur,
and an even-handed, impartial approach towards all parties with
whom we come into contact.
With these objectives as a foundation,
the Hong Kong Police will continue to serve the community to the
best of its ability, ensuring that Hong Kong remains one of the
safest cities in the world.
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