Analysing the survey findings, POP Director Robert Ting-Yiu Chung said a significant increase had been registered for the Hong Kong Police Force, with a satisfaction rate of 82 per cent, which is record high since the survey began in July 1997.

He added: "One point to be noted is that although the murder of a policeman which happened during the survey period had gained much sympathy from people, it occurred near the end of the survey and involved only 53 sub-samples, so the case should have very little effect on the figures. On the contrary, the performance of the Police Force during the WTO Conference last December might have better explained the rise in people's satisfaction of the Force."

The POP's opinion poll was conducted between March 13 and 17, covering public satisfaction with the performances of Legislative Council members in general, the People's Liberation Army Hong Kong garrison and the Force. The findings have been released via the "HKU POP SITE"(http://hkupop.hku.hk).