Symposium on Police Studies a resounding success
President of
the Police Association of China, Mr Tian Qiyu (center), with (from
left) Assistant Commissioner-General, Unitary Police Service, Macao, Mr
Ma Io-kun; Commissioner Tsang Wai-hung, Honorary Chairman of the
Criminal Investigation and Prevention Association (CIPA), Taiwan, Mr
Wang Cho-chun; and Chairman of the CIPA, Mr Koo Chung-li, at a welcome
dinner in Police Officers' Club
The symposium, with "Cross Boundary Economic Crime Prevention and Police Co-operation" as the theme, enabled participants to exchange views and carry out in-depth analysis and examination of related key issues, such as ways to combat and prevent telecommunication fraud, payment card crimes, infringement of intellectual property rights, money laundering and illegal Internet gambling.
More than 100 academic papers were submitted for the symposium, of which 61 selected with rigorous scrutiny by a judging panel formed by all four jurisdictions, were included in the symposium proceedings. During the seven plenary sessions of the event, 29 of the selected papers were presented by their authors, who also shared their research findings and received insightful feedback from guest commentators.
In the course of the symposium, most speakers generally focused on the possible establishment of a police co-operation mechanism to facilitate action against cross-boundary economic crimes. They suggested that careful consideration be given to various initiatives, including setting up of a regular intelligence exchange mechanism to provide information on high risk people and major crime cases, a collaborative mechanism to assist identification of fugitives and provide information feedback on apprehension of offenders, and a cross-boundary mechanism to trace the flow of funds and recover proceeds of crime; as well as provision of a platform for mutual assistance among the four jurisdictions. Specific recommendations were also made on implementation of these initiatives.
Apart from the initiatives, some speakers discussed and shared their experiences of security arrangements for large-scale events. In addition, the symposium dealt with police education and training, co-operation in maritime law enforcement and other issues related to enforcement co-operation among the four jurisdictions.
Speaking at the closing ceremony, Vice-president of the Police Association of China (PAC) Mr Sun Mingshan, praised the 6th symposium for reaching new heights in terms of contents as well as the effectiveness of exchange activities. The four specific points raised at the symposium were:
1. Clearer Theme and More Focused Discussion
Noting the rapid development of economy and the ever-increasing contacts in trade and business, all the four sides agreed to study and explore "Cross Boundary Economic Crime Prevention and Police Co-operation" as the main theme, and to conduct theoretical and critical analysis of related issues with a view to furthering police co-operation and maintaining normal economic order.
2. Enhanced Academic Level and Standardisation
The symposiums over the past several years provided a fertile breeding ground for experts and researchers keen on policing studies, and as a result, papers submitted for the 6th symposium showcased improved professional qualities and a stronger theoretical framework. The authors not only studied cross-boundary economic crimes for a long time, but also were well versed in practical measures to curb such activities. Hence, the level of the academic papers received this year was much higher than that of the previous ones.
3. Closer Relevance and More Useful Guidance
The 6th symposium dealt with many kinds of cross-boundary economic crimes. For example, it explored strategies to combat, prevent and cope with telecommunication fraud, infringement of intellectual property rights, payment card crimes and money laundering through underground remittance systems. Besides, opinions and proposals were raised on the issues of surrender of offenders and recovery or return of stolen goods or proceeds of crime. The experts were able to offer viable strategies and recommendations.
4. Wider Involvement
After several years of dedicated efforts, the influence of the police studies symposium is clearly growing. Participants are no longer confined to police officers and scholars specialised in policing studies, and an increased number of other enforcement agencies and experts from various sectors are attending the symposium. Since the administration regimes and scope of business of law enforcement agencies in the four jurisdictions are different, co-operation among police forces alone is not enough to combat cross-boundary crimes. Wider involvement by other enforcement agencies is welcomed to improve the effectiveness of co-operation in tackling crimes.
(continued on Photo Features)
The
Secretary
for
Security,
Mr Ambrose S K Lee, delivers a speech at the
opening ceremony