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The Force acknowledges the Independent Police Complaints Council・s (IPCC) submission of a final report to the Chief Executive today (December 19), covering the Council・s observations on complaint investigations surrounding Vice Premier LI Keqiang's visit to Hong Kong between August 16 and 18, 2011. It is pleased to note the Council・s further endorsement of five of the cases submitted by Complaints Against Police Office (CAPO) and takes note of the IPCC・s comments and recommendations.
To ensure complaints arising from the Vice Premier・s visit were dealt with expeditiously and as thoroughly as possible, a special duty team was established at an early stage to investigate and work with the Serious Complaints Committee of IPCC. A total of 80 statements were taken, whilst 18 scene visits and 13 Informal Resolution Interviews were conducted. IPCC Observers attended 108 of these elements of the process.
The Force recognises the importance of IPCC・s oversight role in the two-tier complaints mechanism. The Force has rendered full support to IPCC throughout the process for vetting of the outstanding cases. During this period, CAPO and IPCC held constructive exchanges of ideas and information.
Aside from the five further cases endorsed in the final report, two cases have yet to be concluded. One is the subject of ．Sub-Judice・ procedure, whilst the other remains partially endorsed. The Force will continue to monitor the ．Sub-Judice・ case and reopen the investigation once appropriate. With the second case the Force respects the fact that IPCC holds different views towards the classifications of two allegations which remain unendorsed. It is noted that IPCC has not identified any fault in the decisions made by the officers named in the allegations, but the Council holds the view that they are not in a position to confirm whether the information reviewed by them can support the ．No Fault・ classifications. The Force on the other hand considers that the officers concerned had taken reasonable steps in their approach to the decisions they made and that their actions were reasonable and proportionate in the circumstances. As a result the ．No Fault・ classifications are considered appropriate. In any event, both IPCC and the Force agreed that no further investigations or disciplinary actions are deemed necessary with regard to the two allegations.
The Force has all along respected IPCC・s role as an independent monitoring body and welcomes IPCC・s views on different aspects of the complaints. The Force reiterates that in handling security operations relating to the visit of dignitaries, Police have the ultimate responsibility for ensuring their safety. The Force will apply their professional experience in formulating well-balanced plans which seek to address all stakeholders・ concerns and needs as far as possible. The Force works independently, and makes professional judgements based on circumstances prevailing at the time. As pointed out in this final report, the Council does not find that the Police・s decisions and actions taken to have been politically motivated.
The Force acknowledges IPCC・s comments in the final report and these, together with the complaints from which they arise serve as a positive learning opportunity for individual officers as well as the Force overall for the handling of similar security operations in future.
At all times during its approach towards complaints arising from the Vice Premier・s visit, CAPO has worked independently, and upheld the highest levels of impartiality and professionalism. CAPO and the IPCC already have, and will continue to maintain a professional working relationship, whilst the former will continue to assist the IPCC in maintaining the two-tier complaints system as effective, impartial, and fair to all parties concerned.
Police Report No. 280
Issued by PPRB
Ends/Wednesday, December 19, 2012
Issued at HKT 20:12
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