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The Annual Report 2010 of the Commissioner on Interception of Communications and Surveillance was tabled in the Legislative Council today (November 30).
"We are pleased to note that the Commissioner, Mr Justice Woo Kwok-hing, is satisfied with the overall performance of the law enforcement agencies (LEAs) and their officers in their compliance with the requirements of the Interception of Communications and Surveillance Ordinance," a government spokesman said.
The Commissioner did not find anything that indicates deliberate flouting or disregard of the statutory provisions or the law by the LEAs, nor did he find any officer committing a mistake or irregularity for ulterior motives or with ill will.
"The Commissioner has continued to give advice and recommendations on various procedural matters in the course of discharging his duties in overseeing and supervising the performance of the LEAs over their compliance with the requirements of the Ordinance. The LEAs have either implemented them in full or are taking follow up action to address the concerns of the Commissioner. The Security Bureau has also amended the Code of Practice to put the Commissioner's recommendations into full effect as appropriate.
"With the efforts of all parties concerned, the regime under the Ordinance has continued to operate smoothly during the report period. The Administration will continue to closely monitor the operation of the regime, and fully co-operate with the Commissioner and the panel judges with a view to better carrying out the objectives of the Ordinance," the spokesman said.
The Interception of Communications and Surveillance Ordinance, enacted in August 2006, provides a statutory regime for the conduct of interception of communications and covert surveillance by the LEAs. Under the Ordinance, the Commissioner is to oversee the LEAs' compliance with the statutory requirements and to make regular reports to the Chief Executive. The Secretary for Security will, upon the Chief Executive's instruction, arrange for the tabling of the annual reports of the Commissioner at the Legislative Council in accordance with the requirements of the Ordinance.
Ends/Wednesday, November 30, 2011
Issued at HKT 15:24
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