Integrity Management

In this corruption case concerning the harbouring of offenders by a senior law enforcement officer who repeatedly accepted advantages in his official capacity to offer advice and assistance to a private club involved in crime, offenders could dodge police investigation and be relieved from criminal liability. It is certainly a crime of a very serious nature. In the case, on knowing that SDS was investigating criminal offences the Club was involved, Superintendent Y still offered advice to the Club by making use of his power. Obviously, there was a conflict between personal interests and official duties, which had profound impacts on both the police force and the public.

Being a law enforcement officer, Superintendent Y neglected his capacity as a public servant and had private contact with the Club Manager and the Club Deputy Manager. He even went to the Club with his subordinates for private entertainment. Ordinary though it might seem, such gatherings reflected a poor culture and common practice of entertainment. Police officers frequenting such an establishment under investigation during leisure time or maintaining close relationship with the operator might lead to a role conflict which would deter enforcement actions, and might even fall into a "sweetening process". Timely action to nip it in the bud was therefore necessary.

After the incident, the Police set up a Special Working Group on Integrity Management in 2017 to review the integrity management system and enhancement measures. The management of the Police has from time to time reminded supervisors at all levels to emphasise the importance of integrity, monitor their subordinates as appropriate, as well as discourage them from leading a lifestyle that may bring disgrace to the Police and may result in disciplinary or criminal consequences.

Meanwhile, three directorate officers from the Operations Department, the Corruption Prevention Department (CPD) and the Community Relations Department (CRD) of ICAC continue to attend meetings of the Force Committee on Integrity Management to discuss anti-corruption strategies and corruption trend with the management of the Police with a view to further reinforcing the integrity management system of the Police. CPD will also regularly identify corruption-prone areas in the police force for review and enhancement. CRD talks on integrity education are also organised for police officers to enhance their awareness of misconducts and knowledge on anti-corruption law.