The Interception of Communications and Surveillance (ICS) Forum was held at the Police Headquarters on July 29. The Forum was organised by the Security Bureau (SB) and coordinated by the Hong Kong Police Force (HKPF), which provided a valuable occasion for the Commissioner on ICS (C/ICS) Mr Azizul Rahman Suffiad to speak on the compliance issues to officers responsible for covert operations, especially frontline officers, from the four law enforcement agencies (LEAs) specified under the ICS Ordinance (ICSO), namely the HKPF, the Customs and Excise Department, the Immigration Department and the Independent Commission Against Corruption, with a view to enhancing LEA officers’ professional ability. Over 300 officers attended the Forum.

Commissioner (CP) Siu Chak-yee and Acting Deputy Commissioner (Operations) (Acting DCP OPS) Yuen Yuk-kin greeted the C/ICS and Mr Justice Wally Yeung Chun-kuen, the incumbent Vice-President of the Court of Appeal of the High Court and the C/ICS designate, for their presence at the Forum. CP and Acting DCP OPS also thanked the SB for organising the event and the enthusiastic participation from the LEAs, while Deputy Secretary for Security Ms Shirley Yung thanked the C/ICS in her opening speech for his contributions as Panel Judge and the C/ICS for more than 10 years.

The Forum consisted of two major topics, namely “Covert Surveillance” and “Telecommunication Interception”. The C/ICS highlighted examples to explain the legal point of view involved in the past irregularities or non-compliance incidents, and gave advice on applications and executions of covert operations. The C/ICS also reiterated the importance of the protection of legal professional privileged information and journalistic materials as well as the necessity to impose precaution measures. The Forum helped strengthen LEA officers’ ability in making professional judgement.

In his closing remarks, Acting DCP OPS wished the C/ICS a happy and healthy retirement. He believed that all LEA officers would continue to exercise the authorities conferred by the ICSO to fight against crimes legally and in compliance with the Ordinance.

The Forum was well received by the participants. They reckoned that the C/ICS had clarified legal concepts relating to the ICSO and provided useful tips to improve the execution of covert operations. The Forum also enhanced officers’ understanding of the ICSO and boosted their confidence in exercising authorities under the Ordinance.

The C/ICS Mr Azizul Rahman Suffiad shares his insights on the protection of legal professional privileged information and gives advice on how to avoid common mistakes in covert operations.

Commissioner Siu Chak-yee (first row, first left), Acting Deputy Commissioner (Operations) Yuen Yuk-kin (first row, second left) and Chief Superintendent of the Central Registry of Interception of Communications and Surveillance of the HKPF Chiu Wai-po (first row, first right) greet the C/ICS (first row, second right).

Deputy Secretary for Security Ms Shirley Yung welcomes officers responsible for covert operations from four law enforcement agencies to attend the Forum.

The C/ICS (left) exchanges views with the C/ICS designate Mr Justice Wally Yeung Chun-kuen, the incumbent Vice-President of the Court of Appeal of the High Court (right).