[Vision, Our Common Purpose & Our Values] [Foreword] [Operations] [Regional Commanders' Report]
[Personnel and Training] [Management Services]
[Finance, Administration and Planning] [Environmental Report] [Organisation] [Annex, Crime Charts & Appendix]
Operations
In Partnership to Combat Crime
The overall crime situation in 2006 remained stable, despite a slight increase of 4.8% in crime figures. The increase was primarily attributable to the rise in certain theft-related offences, the nature of which was invariably opportunistic. The overall detection rate remained steady at 44.6%, compared to 44.3% for 2005. Ketamine remained the No. 1 popular drug of abuse among youngsters in 2006. Several large-scale operations conducted during the year boosted both the psychotropic drugs arrest and seizure figures.
In line with the Force's commitment to partnership to combat crime, the cooperation and exchange of intelligence with Mainland, Macao and other overseas law enforcement agencies was one of the Force's priorities in 2006. Following the success of previous cooperations with the Guangdong Public Security Bureau and Macao Police authorities, another round of large-scale tripartite operations was launched in June to demonstrate the Force's resolve in combating triad activities. A further example of intensive cooperation was the drive against illegal bookmaking activities together with the Mainland, Macao, Malaysia and Australia during the World Cup Tournament.
Organised Crime and Triads
To keep triad societies in check, over 85 operations targeting selected triad personalities and their source of income were conducted throughout the year. The operations, some of which were based on cooperation with neighbouring jurisdictions such as Mainland, Macao, Malaysia and Australia, resulted in the arrest of 283 persons, including several high ranking triad office bearers. During the World Cup 2006, 29 raids were conducted by the Organized Crime and Triad Bureau, which led to the arrest of 37 persons and seizure of $22 million worth of betting slips.
Criminal Intelligence
During 2006, the Criminal Intelligence Bureau continued to produce quality intelligence and initiate intelligence-based operations against organised and serious criminal activities as well as triads. Working in partnership with other units in the Force, the Bureau achieved excellent results, neutralising a number of violent criminal syndicates and disrupting the activities of triad groups resulting in the arrest of 1 836 suspects.
On the international stage, the Bureau actively sought to forge stronger ties with international partners in order to combat the growing threat of transnational criminal activities. To help achieve this, it continued to participate in the management of the Asian Region Heads of Criminal Intelligence Working Group. Locally, the Bureau also provided training to members of the Force and other interested groups in intelligence analysis and other specialised areas, such as triads and gambling.
Commercial Crime
In 2006, the Commercial Crime Bureau (CCB) continued to implement a structured intelligence-based approach to all investigations into syndicated and serious frauds, counterfeit and forgery cases, and technology crimes.
Action against counterfeit currency and credit card activities reaped good results. The number of counterfeit Hong Kong dollar banknotes that had surfaced steadily declined throughout the year. 2006 saw the neutralisation of two major counterfeit Hong Kong banknote syndicates after intelligence-led operations in January and July netted seven of the masterminds responsible for most of the counterfeit $500 banknotes that had surfaced in 2005 and the early part of 2006.
CCB's persistence in developing strategic international partners continued in 2006. An example of successful partnerships with international law enforcement agencies and the Commercial Crime Unit of the Department of Justice was a joint operation with South Wales Police in the UK. It resulted in the arrest of seven persons and the seizure of 400 counterfeit cards. In March, a High Court conviction of a fugitive extradited from the USA closed a case that had been outstanding since 1982, involving share fraud amounting to $48 million. In addition, cooperation with the Dutch police with respect to international child pornography websites netted three local people in May, as part of a worldwide operation involving 81 jurisdictions coordinated by Interpol.
CCB's ethos of developing strong links with strategic partners was further enhanced in April, when it hosted a 'Bank Fraud Seminar' at Police Headquarters, involving 280 security and compliance managers from over 85 local banks and financial institutions; and again in November when CCB's Technology Crime Division hosted a 'E-Fraud Prevention Seminar' with representatives from the Hong Kong Association of Banks, Hong Kong Monetary Authority and the Hong Kong Computer Emergency Response Team Coordination Centre in attendance.
Narcotics
Tackling the illicit drugs situation was an operational target of the Force for 2006. Throughout the year, Police took resolute action to interdict trafficking, thereby reducing the harm to society associated with drug abuse. Police officers participated in drug abuse prevention initiatives with schools and publicised anti-drug abuse messages to the public. The overall number of arrests for drug-related offences, particularly ketamine, increased significantly. The seizure of 550kgs of ketamine in September set the record in terms of both the quantity and value of the drug in Hong Kong. To deal with the growing problem of cocaine use, enforcement action was stepped up and the number of cocaine-related arrests rose.
Due to Narcotics Bureau's joint efforts with Mainland and overseas counterparts to interdict cross-boundary and international trafficking, there were numerous arrests and drug seizures. The Bureau's involvement in international investigations led to the dismantling of a number of drug production sites in the Asia-Pacific region and the seizure of several substantial consignments of drugs before they reached the consumer countries.
Financial Investigation
During the year, the Force actively participated in a number of local and international initiatives to combat money laundering and terrorist financing. In September, in partnership with the Narcotics Division and the Customs and Excise Department, the Force organised a series of anti-money laundering seminars for compliance officers from financial institutions and representatives from non-financial businesses and professions to enhance their awareness of anti-money laundering issues.
In December, the Force organised two anti-money laundering and counter terrorists financing training courses with participants from various local agencies and other jurisdictions including the Mainland, Macao, the UK, Australia, Singapore, Malaysia, Nigeria, Japan, South Korea and the USA.
Also in December, the Joint Financial Intelligence Unit (jointly operated by Police and Customs) rolled out its electronic suspicious transaction reporting system, improving the Unit's ability to process and analyse suspicious transaction reports.
Crime Prevention
In 2006, Crime Prevention Bureau officers actively promoted crime prevention awareness through a variety of campaigns. Among these activities was the continued programme of visits to schools featuring 'Robotcop' to deliver crime prevention messages to young children. These visits have proved to be extremely popular and not only help increase crime prevention awareness but also project the positive image of the Police to our youngsters. Since the introduction of the current 'Robotcop' in 2004, there has been a total of 487 shows seen by over 88 000 children.
A Year of Recognition
The Force does not only care for outside 'customers' but also its own staff. 2006 saw gathering recognition by the public and other sectors of the Force's good work in serving the public as well as caring for Force members.
Liaison
In 2006 the Liaison Bureau facilitated visits of the Force to and from the Mainland and Macao Police. The more important events were the 12th Tripartite CID Heads Meeting in March in Macao and the bilateral meetings in Beijing, Shanghai and Guangzhou in December. Both the Force and its Mainland counterpart agreed to enhance exchange of intelligence and cooperation in investigating money-laundering activities; and to exchange instructors for strengthening training especially in the use of firearms and negotiation skills.
Forensic Support
During 2006, the Identification Bureau continued to play a significant role in supporting crime investigation and prosecution through the provision of professional fingerprint and photographic services and collection of DNA evidence from crime scenes. In 2006, the Bureau established the criminal history of 35 852 individuals and linked 1 304 persons to 1 234 cases. Among the Bureau's major events in the year was the active preparation for the replacement of the Computer Assisted Fingerprint Identification System, which is expected to reach its maximum capacity in 2008. A new Computer Assisted Palmprint and Fingerprint Identification System will be installed in 2008.
Forensic Firearms Examination
Effective liaison with Mainland and Macao authorities for the exchange of technical experience on firearms examination was a key, ongoing agenda for the Forensic Firearms Examination Bureau (FFEB). During 2006, FFEB delegates participated in the Tripartite Technical Support Meeting in Guangdong along with other forensic examiners from the Mainland and Macao. Delegations of the Mainland also paid a reciprocal visit to the FFEB to learn the operation of the Integrated Ballistics Identification System.
Criminal Records
The Criminal Records Bureau maintains the 'Enhanced Police Operational Nominal Index Computer System' (EPONICS) from which updated data is readily available to front-line Police officers and other Government departments round the clock. A project to replace EPONICS commenced in April 2005 and underwent significant development in 2006. The new system, to be implemented by early 2007, aims to streamline existing workflows and to improve operational efficiency.
Child Abuse and Domestic Violence
The Force is committed to responding promptly and professionally to all reports of domestic violence through a series of enhanced measures and training for front-line officers in the handling and investigation of cases. During the year, an Emergency Referral Questionnaire and Action Checklist was introduced as an effective risk assessment tool and quick reference guide to assist officers in identifying risk factors and taking appropriate actions. An alert mechanism is also built into the Central Domestic Violence Database to alert District and Divisional managers of all high risk cases.
Enhanced training focusing on the need for awareness of family dynamics, sensitivity and cross discipline exchanges was delivered to equip all front-line officers with the knowledge and skills in risk assessment and conflict management. A direct referral hotline for Police has been set up to strengthen the collaboration with the Social Welfare Department for immediate crisis interventions and emergency referrals.
Major Incident Investigation and Disaster Support System (MIIDSS)
In 2006, MIIDSS continued to be committed to providing technical and human resource support for the Centre for Health Protection at the Department of Health regarding an alert for Avian Flu Outbreak.
Witness Protection Unit
The Unit continued to be deployed in a series of protective security operations in line with its core duties. During the year, the Unit saw increased international cooperation, with representation at a United Nations meeting in Bangkok that focused on the development of witness protection in Asia. The Unit also hosted exchange activities for experience sharing with overseas counterparts.
Police Tactical Unit
The Police Tactical Unit (PTU) serves the Force and the community through the training of 680 officers each year. This well-trained and well-equipped body of officers is ready to respond to any task that the Force requires of it. In addition to running strenuous training exercises, the PTU provides extensive protective equipment and a robust safety system.
The PTU not only works in partnership with the community but also actively contributes to it. The annual Operation Santa Claus is only one of the many charity fund raising events supported by PTU Headquarters. Other notable events in which teams are entered and money raised are the Matilda Hospital Sedan Chair Race, the Law Enforcement Torch Run, Police Dragon Boat Race and Oxfam Trailwalker.
Explosive Ordnance Disposal Bureau
The Bureau is responsible for all bomb disposal work including convention munitions, pyrotechnic devices and CBRN (Chemical, Biological, Radiological and Nuclear) incidents in Hong Kong. In 2006, the Bureau continued to enhance intelligence cooperation with bomb data centres around the world and to raise awareness among officers throughout the Force and other Government departments on actions required when dealing with criminal and terrorist incidents.
Counter Terrorism
Vigilance was maintained Force-wide to guard Hong Kong against terrorism in 2006. Security tests at the Hong Kong International Airport were on-going in view of the terrorist threat against the aviation industry worldwide. A Counter Terrorism Task Force was also formed in June to review and enhance the current counter terrorism capability based on the 4Ps – Prevention, Protection, Preparedness and Pursuit.
Force Search Unit
In 2006, the Unit successfully conducted venue search operations for the Hong Kong Rugby Sevens, the 3rd Anniversary of the Mainland and Hong Kong Closer Economic Partnership Arrangement, and the International Telecommunication Union TELECOM WORLD 2006. The Unit also frequently assisted crime investigation officers in recovering vital exhibits of serious crime cases at crime scenes.
Police Dog Unit
Specialist search dogs are based at the Unit's two operational bases at Kowloon Bay and Hong Kong International Airport to respond to call-outs for searches for dangerous drugs, explosives, firearms or for tracking work. Police dogs also perform a significant role in Force-wide internal security operations.
Occupational Safety & Health
The Force Safety Management System was enhanced throughout the year to international accredited standards with the ongoing internal training of all Inspectorate Officers as risk assessors. It was the second year running that the Force won external recognition for its efforts in occupational safety and health. The Force won two Gold Awards at the Hong Kong Occupational Safety and Health Awards 2006.
Licensing Office
In February, the Police Licensing Office, in conjunction with the Department of Justice, issued a set of 'Guidelines on the Approach to the Public Order Ordinance, Cap. 245', to assist front-line officers and the public to have a better understanding of the related laws and principles on the policing of public order events. In 2006, the Force processed 1 303 notifications of public order events and 3 620 applications for liquor licences.
Transport
In 2006, emphasis remained on transport efficiency savings and outsourcing of non-core transport services. The Force took delivery of the first operational hybrid vehicle and introduced a larger budget for hire of vehicles. The Force was also awarded Exemplary Business Support Award Gold Award by the Social Welfare Department for the employment of people with disabilities in connection with the outsourcing of car cleaning services.
Public Relations
The Police Public Relations Branch (PPRB) plays a key role in informing the public of the work of the Police in order to project a positive image of the Force and in enlisting public support in the maintenance of law and order via a pro-active community relations programme.
Police Community Relations Officers attached to different districts keep the public well informed of Police policies and operational priorities while the Junior Police Call (JPC) Scheme and the Secondary School Liaison Officers Programme serve as bridges between the Police and youngsters.
In 2006, PPRB jointly produced with RTHK and Cable TV several television programmes, including the highly acclaimed Police Magazine, to keep the public abreast of crime trends and to appeal for information that would help in crime investigations. It also assisted various film companies and television stations in the production of police-related dramas and documentaries.
Information relating to police activities is disseminated to local and overseas media organisations round the clock. During the year, PPRB produced a number of publications, including the bi-weekly newspaper OffBeat, JPC monthly newsletter, Police in Figures leaflet and Police Review 2005, which won an Honourable Mention in the 2006 Best Annual Reports Awards organised by the Hong Kong Management Association. PPRB also assisted in planning and implementing the Fight Crime Publicity Campaign 2006-07 with the theme 'Beware of Deceptions and Thefts'.
To commend the initiatives of members of the public in helping the Police fight crime, the Force selected 79 citizens for the Good Citizen Award in 2006.
Police hotlines and Crime Information Forms provide convenient channels for reporting crime. A total of 21 284 hotline phone calls (excluding those made to the emergency hotline 999) and 1 635 returned Crime Information Forms were registered by year-end, resulting in 745 arrests.
Hong Kong Auxiliary Police Force
The 3 900 members of Hong Kong Auxiliary Police Force continued to provide strong support to their regular counterparts during festive periods in 2006, at public meetings, and during other major crowd management events. They will be deployed during the 10th Anniversary of the establishment of the HKSAR celebrations in 2007 to ensure the uninterrupted delivery of police services to the community.
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