[ Foreword ] [ Memorable Events ] [ The Hand of Partnership ] [ Operations ] [ Regional Commanders' Report ] [ Personnel and Training ]
[ Management Services ]
[ Professional Equipment ] [ Finance, Administration and Planning ] [ Environmental Report ] [ Organisation ]
[ Annexes and Appendices ] [ Information ]
> Integrity and honesty
> Respect for the rights of members of the public and of the Force
> Fairness, impartiality and compassion in all our dealings
> Acceptance of responsibility and accountability
> Professionalism
> Dedication to quality service and continuous improvement
> Responsiveness to change
> Effective communication both within and outwith the Force
I am pleased to present the Hong Kong Police Review 2012. Reflecting on the events during the year, it is most evident that the Force has risen to the challenges.
We have also developed as an organisation, ensuring that we will continue to be able to meet the diversified needs of our community in an ever-changing world. As you read on, you will discover many of our award-winning initiatives on management, training and readiness. More importantly, you will see numerous examples of officers helping and interacting with the public, providing quality services in everyday encounters. This is the bedrock of our constabulary duty and the essence of our commitment to serve the community with pride and care.
Crimes reached a record low over the last 10 years in 2012. We recorded 75 930 crimes of which 12 821 were classified as violent crimes, representing decreases of 0.01% and 2.1% respectively in 2011. The overall crime and violent crime rates per 100 000 population again dropped to 1 064 and 180 respectively. Robberies declined for the 10th consecutive year and remained at their lowest level since we began keeping records in 1969. No robberies involved genuine firearms in 2012. There were significant decreases in most other crime categories with burglary, theft, blackmail, arson, wounding and serious assault also recording a 10-year low. Figures for youth and juvenile involvement in crime, including drug offences declined by 15.2%, again a record low. All this bodes well for the future but there are still areas that require our attention. These include deception, drugs, sexual offences, triad-related offences, as well as technology crime.
The inexorable rise in technology crime in the past few years is not just a local phenomenon but also a worldwide trend. At the same time that smartphones, Internet connectivity and social media have transformed our lives, they have also exposed us to risks not known before. Criminals are making greater use than ever of email, telephones and mobile applications to deceive victims, companies and individuals alike. The anonymity, speed and global reach of cyberspace have provided criminals with new and increased opportunities. To counter this rapidly growing threat, the police and the community as well as the industry and other stakeholders have to heighten their vigilance and work together.
The efforts of the Force and the other law enforcement agencies aside, I must also pay tribute to our law-abiding community for helping to make Hong Kong, yet again, one of the safest and most stable societies in the world. I was encouraged to see so many individuals and community groups working with us to prevent crime and to promote public safety. The willingness of crime victims and witnesses to come forward and assist us also indicated the trust and confidence they have in our services. The Customer Satisfaction Survey and the Public Opinion Survey results released in 2012 showed that 81% of the community was satisfied with our services and 75% was confident in us and considered Hong Kong to be very safe. There are other indicators. The continuous decrease in complaints against the police despite ever-rising public expectation and ever-increasing public demand is just another example.
Apart from maintaining law and order, there were also many other ways in which the Force demonstrated how it embraces social responsibility. In 2012, the Social Welfare Department presented the 3 000 plus strong Hong Kong Police Volunteer Service Corps with a ‘Gold Award for Volunteer Service’ as well as the ‘Merit of Highest Service Hours Awards (Public Organisations)’. Since 2005, the Hong Kong Council of Social Service has awarded its ‘Caring Organisation Logo’ to the Force every year in recognition of its contribution to caring for the community, our employees and the environment. In 2012, we were doubly honoured to receive the ‘Five Years Plus Caring Organisation Logo’ for the third time. ‘The Hong Kong Police Night for the Chest 2012’ in November also proved to be a very successful charity cum community event and raised more than $ 3.8 million for the Community Chest.
To my fellow colleagues in the Police Force, none of these achievements would have been attainable without your professionalism, diligence and perseverance. To members of the community who have been helping us all along, I express my deepest gratitude and I appeal for your continuous support.
To the general readers, I hope that you enjoy reading this informative document and learn more about who we are, what we do and, above all, about our pledge to serve our community and Hong Kong with pride and care.
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