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Closer ties forged with the Department of Justice
 Signing on: DC & S Louis Lau with the D of J's Grenville Cross |
The working relationship between Police and the Department of Justice Prosecutions Division was further enhanced with the recent signing of a Memorandum of Understanding between the two.
Director of Crime and Security Louis Lau Chun-sing and Director of Public Prosecutions Grenville Cross signed the document at Police Headquarters on July 24.
Mr Lau said: "This Memorandum of Understanding represents a milestone in the co-operation and relationship between our two Departments. It is the culmination of months of open and frank discussion about how best to strengthen existing channels of communication, so as to promote effective liaison and to facilitate the smooth operation of the criminal justice system."
Both parties pledged: To promote a culture of professionalism in inter-departmental dealings and monitor and address any areas of concern; to fully consider each other's initiatives in the pursuit of excellence and improved efficiency; to adopt an open-minded and innovative approach to information technology and consult fully on initiatives in this field to improve efficiency and communications; and, to promote bilingualism where it was appropriate and in the interests of efficiency.
"Any issues affecting working relationships and service not covered by this existing memorandum would be fully addressed and resolved and added to it as appropriate by mutual agreement," Mr Lau added.
Mr Cross said the relationship between the Department and Police was invariably good, saying both sides recognised that, while their respective roles differed, they were partners in a joint enterprise.
"The salient features of that enterprise are a determination to combat crime effectively, a will to work constructively, a resolve to treat victims, witnesses and suspects with respect and understanding, a commitment to the fair prosecution of cases, and a preparedness to modernise and to equip those involved in law enforcement and case preparation with the capacity to meet the challenges posed by new areas of criminal activity," he said.
"At the symbolic level, this document reflects our determination to achieve yet higher standards and even better co-operation. At the practical level, it provides us with guidance on the methods which will best promote our common aims."