1.

Efficiency Savings & Annual Budgets for the Next 5 Years

a)

The cost cutting Exercise is applicable to all government departments which include the Hong Kong Auxiliary Police Force.

b)

When formulating areas for cost cutting and the subsequent annual budgets of our Force, the Regular and Auxiliary top management were in agreement that the following important principles should be adhered to :

i)

To maintain sufficient funding for Auxiliary front-line duties in support of the Regulars’ operational need.

ii)

To maintain a high standard of professional training for all ranks of the Force.

iii)

To maintain adequate allowance for administration and support duties by the Auxiliary officers to ensure effective management of the Force.

iv)

To maintain a reasonable level of recruitment annually to counter the natural wastage figures of HKAPF annually.

c)

The HKAPF annual budget for 2004/2005 has been finalized.  It is a fair budget with reductions in line with the principles stated in item 1-b.

d)

The budget will be managed by the senior management of both forces jointly under a ‘one-line vote’ concept.  The management team has flexibilities in reallocating the overall funding such that over-provisions in some areas could be used to supplement areas being under-provided.

2.

DECISIONS ON Some Suggestions tabled during the Cost Cutting Deliberation

a)

To reduce the Establishment of HKAPF (currently @4,500)

The Establishment of HKAPF for the next 5 years is still under review and should be finalized in about 6 months’ time.  The issue is being examined in accordance with the following guidelines :

i)

The actual requirement of Auxiliary manpower plus reserves during I.S. situation.

ii)

The operational requirement of the Auxiliary manpower to support the Regular in crowd management and preplanned operations.

iii)

A ‘critical mass’ strength for the Force to function effectively in its role as trained manpower support of the Regulars in normal situation.

iv)

An appropriate level of recruitment to counter the natural wastage figure.

b)

Recruitment

The senior management agreed that recruitment of Auxiliary police need to continue due to the wastage figure and the need for new blood to maintain efficiency and morale.  The recruitment figure for 2004/2005 would most likely be around 80.  The number of new recruits is based on careful consideration of the budget, available training support and achievable numbers of successful recruit candidates for the year.

c)

Curtailing of some training  (SET)

This was found to be unnecessary and counter-productive, and current level should be maintained.  In fact for year 2004/2005, training for special areas are enhanced to further improve HKAPF’s professional standard.

d)

Curtailing of additional voluntary training hours  (AVT)

Again, due to the principle of maintaining effective Auxiliary front-line support for the Regulars, the 48 hours of AVT for individual members will not be reduced.

e)

Further reduction in the administration and support allowance

The excessive reduction of 2003/2004 A&S allowance from HK$ 8M to HK$ 2M had caused more problems than it solved.  The management has implemented a series of streamlining measures to reduce time to be spent on some duties (ex the new DS II, ARF procedures, etc.) and will continue to examine other areas which can be made more efficient with further clerical support from the Regulars.  The 2004/2005 budget for A & S allowance is HK$3M.  In allocating the fund for this year, a new and more equitable guideline based on strength of each formation is formulated.

f)

‘Honorary’ posts for Inspector and above

This suggestion was found to be unacceptable due to many reasons.  The senior management of both forces has agreed that the responsibilities and duties of Auxiliary police officers at Inspector or above rank must be maintained for the Force to function effectively with a wholesome rank structure and chain of command.  Any member who continues to promulgate this ‘Honorary post’ policy without authorization may be subject to disciplinary actions in accordance with police orders and regulations.

g)

Promotion & other training courses

To maintaining the effective rank and command structure of the HKAPF, promotion exercise at various levels will continue.  Also, promotion and leadership and command courses will also continue as previous years.

h)

Cancellation of special Cadres 

(HKAPF pipes & drum band, Eccacs, Auxiliary police with driving skill)

These special Auxiliary elements will continue to function.  However, the numbers for each element and its funding are subject to scrutiny based on need.

i)

Annual bounty allowance to be reduced or cancelled

The Annual Bounty Allowance of HK$900 for qualified members will not be reduced or cancelled.  The policy on exemption and retirement requirement remains.

3.

INTERNAL REVIEW AND MANAGEMENT COMMITTEE (IRMC), HKAPF

The Committee with elected members from all Auxiliary formations is the official forum of communication for HKAPF.  Since its establishment, IRMC has been effective in promptly resolving issues relating to the operations, management and welfare of the Force.  With the current chairman, CSPA TSE Yee-sum retiring, Mr. Lawrence LAM, Deputy Commandant will take up the post of chairman for IRMC.