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The Annual Report 2008 of the Commissioner on Interception of Communications and Surveillance was tabled in the Legislative Council today (December 2).
"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.
During the report period, the Commissioner made a number of recommendations to improve the checking mechanisms and operational procedures. The LEAs have either accepted the recommendations in full or are actively identifying measures to address the Commissioner's concerns. The Security Bureau has also amended the Code of Practice, where appropriate, to provide clearer guidelines to the LEAs.
"With the benefit of more practical experience gained in the implementation of the regime under the Ordinance, the LEAs are able to offer useful comments from the operational perspective in response to recommendations and suggestions made by the Commissioner for improving the checking mechanisms.
"The Administration will continue to closely monitor the operation of the regime, and fully co-operate with the Commissioner with a view to better carrying out the objects of the Ordinance. We shall strive for further improvements to the regime during the comprehensive review of the Ordinance," the spokesman said. The Administration undertook to conduct a comprehensive review on the Ordinance upon completion of the Commissioner's second full-year annual report.
The Interception of Communications and Surveillance Ordinance, enacted in August 2006, provides for 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 make regular reports to the Chief Executive. The Secretary for Security will, upon the Chief Executive's instruction, arrange for the tabling of the Commissioner's annual reports at the Legislative Council in accordance with the requirements of the Ordinance.
Ends/Wednesday, December 2, 2009
Issued at HKT 11:46
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