Contents Highlights

Bridging the gap

Recognising that transnational crime posed serious threats to society, the Commissioner's message highlighted the fact that this issue "cannot be addressed by law enforcement agencies working in isolation. It is essential, if we are to combat these threats, that we increase the levels of cooperation between governments, law enforcement agencies and communities themselves."

The Force enjoys an excellent reputation as an active and committed partner in the investigation and detection of transnational crime and apprehension of international criminals.

Befitting its position therefore, the Force is taking a leading role in inviting major stakeholders in the fight against transnational crime, chiefly but not exclusively representatives from law enforcement agencies, to its conference next March.

With the theme of "Bridging the GAP - a Global Alliance Perspective on Transnational Organized Crime", the conference will specifically examine the threats posed by cyber crime, money laundering, the changing trends in narcotic crime and triad societies.

Mr Tsang stated that the primary aim of the conference was to "strengthen the operational, legal and cultural frameworks that enable law enforcement agencies around the world to cooperate effectively."

Chairman of the conference organising committee, Assistant Commissioner Crime Peter Yam Tat-wing, recently held a liaison reception to brief consular staff and law enforcement liaison officers from 17 countries on the aims and objectives of the conference.

He commented on how differences in the way agencies conducted operations, in national laws and in culture often served to diminish the effectiveness of international cooperation. He hoped that the conference would allow some of these "gaps to be bridged".

Mr Yam stated that the Force's commitment to the fight against transnational crime has increased considerably over the past few years. He pointed out that distinguished speakers had agreed to attend the conference. "This is both a reflection of the importance of the topic and a statement on Hong Kong's importance in fighting crime in the international arena," he said.

Together with top law enforcement officials from the Mainland and North America, keynote speakers will include Hong Kong's Director of Public Prosecutions, Interpol's Secretary General, Commissioners from the Singapore Police, the Australian Federal Police and the UK's Metropolitan Police, as well as Professor of Criminology at Cardiff University, Dr Michael Levi.

With an expected attendance of around 400 delegates, the conference is the first event of its kind to be organised by the Force. It is a major undertaking, but one which the Commissioner believed would "provide an invaluable forum at which knowledge and experience from a global perspective will be shared."

OffBeat will bring you more news about the conference.

ACP Crime Peter Yam (right) briefs diplomatic representatives on the aims of the conference.