A Letter to Hong Kong by Commissioner
The January 1, 2003 marked the beginning of my third year as Commissioner of Police and as I reflect upon another eventful, fruitful year, I am particularly pleased to acknowledge that the Hong Kong Police continues to enjoy the confidence and respect of the public; a fact confirmed by a variety of independent surveys. The latest Customer Satisfaction Survey also suggests that we have been gaining much ground since the last poll of this nature was taken. These results, I feel, are clear recognition of our efforts over the past few years to enhance our professionalism as well as our services to the public.
In terms of law and order, 2002 was another positive year for Hong Kong. The overall crime rate was maintained at a low level, notwithstanding fluctuations in various categories of crime. Bank robberies, goldsmith robberies, burglaries, vehicle thefts and serious narcotics cases were down however increases were seen in what we would call "quick cash crimes" such as street robberies, deceptions and thefts.
In view of the crime trend at the beginning of 2002, I set three principal operational objectives against serious crimes at that time.
The first objective focused on deterring those criminals willing to resort to the use of firearms as well as those responsible for smuggling illicit firearms into Hong Kong. Our second priority was to intensify our action against drug trafficking and abuse, particularly that associated with the young and their involvement with psychotropic drugs. Thirdly, we strived to contain triads and their activities, targeting the sources of triad income.
Overall I am pleased to report that 2002 has seen Police overall and a number of specialist formations in particular, achieve considerable success in each of these three areas. Encouragingly the number of crimes involving the use of genuine firearms was kept at a low level. I am pleased to report that eight firearm gangs were neutralised and a total of 23 genuine guns seized. We must remember that each and every one of these guns has the potential to seriously undermine the law and order situation in Hong Kong were it not seized.
Also on a very positive note was a 23.9% reduction in the number of young people under the age of 21 arrested in connection with psychotropic drug activities. Indeed a decrease was recorded in serious narcotics offences across the board.
Police were also very active in providing effective enforcement against triads and their control of vice activities, loan-sharking, sales of adulterated oil and collection of protection money, and I am pleased to note that these actions resulted in significant disruption to their sources of income.
Having reviewed our work and achievements made in respect of the objectives I set last year, I have now established the following operational targets for the year to come.
* Crimes involving the use of firearms remain of major concern to the public. Police are therefore determined to strike hard against all violent crimes but in particular against those involving genuine firearms. Every effort will be made to interdict the smuggling of illicit firearms into Hong Kong.
* Triads have gone underground in the wake of Police crackdowns in 2002, however, incidents of violence between rival gangs, in order to display their power, avenge outstanding grievances or settle disputes, showed an upward trend. We will continue our war against triad activities particularly these criminals' use of violence.
* 'Quick cash crimes' were on the rise in 2002. Head-bashing robberies, snatchings, miscellaneous thefts and street deceptions are particularly distressing to the public. These crimes will therefore be one of our target areas in 2003.
* While serious narcotics offences dropped significantly due to our enforcement action, the problem of youngsters abusing psychotropic drugs is still cause for concern. We will continue to take strong measures to address this issue.
* Crimes involving holders of two-way permits continued to rise in 2002. We will maintain close links with our Mainland counterparts to deter these offenders from coming across the boundary.
In 2003 the Police Force will continue to meet challenges with no less vigour than we did in 2002. Events on the international stage have made this approach all the more important. I refer of course to the threat of terrorism - a common concern for law enforcement agencies worldwide. With memories of the September 11 2001 attacks, as well as the bombings in Bali and Kenya in 2002 still fresh in our minds, we are all reminded of the threat posed by terrorism. The imminent threat of war in the Persian Gulf has heightened the threat to us all as a US led attack against Iraq may spark off a new wave of terrorist attacks.
Our assessment of the specific threat to Hong Kong in this regard continues to be low however those who are unprepared can easily fall prey to the terrorists. In reality no place on earth is immune from terrorism and constant vigilance is always high on our agenda. To prevent any possible terrorist incident in Hong Kong, we will closely watch the development of international affairs, liaise closely with overseas law enforcement and security agencies, as well as strengthen our anti-terrorist training and response capability.
Anti-terrorism aside, people from different sectors of the community have recently been talking about whether the economic climate of Hong Kong and the dissent seen amongst members of the public could suggest a possibility of an outbreak of public disorder. On this I can assure you that your Police have been taking note of any possible threat to our law and order situation and regular assessments are being made.
Drawing experience from the causes of public disturbances in the past, we conclude that Hong Kong is a relatively stable society and the risk for public disorder remains low. But we will not allow complacency to compromise our response should the situation so require. In an overcrowded city like Hong Kong, where large crowds are drawn to any manner of public event, we only need some kind of unruly conduct which, if allowed to get out of control, will help create public disorder. Therefore, in addition to constant risk assessments, the Police exercise extreme caution in every public event. After all, public safety and public order is our prime consideration. We put in place pre-event assessment, balance the demands of all concerned and implement operational deployment accordingly.
From an overall perspective Hong Kong remains a safe place. We anticipate that we are going to face many challenges in the coming year both in terms of the fight against crime and the handling of public events and anti-terrorist operations. We need to double our efforts to address these concerns, however I can assure you that the Hong Kong Police will continue to do everything in its power to maintain the stability and prosperity of our city. 
Recording of 'A letter to Hong Kong' programme at RTHK Studio