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The Annual Report 2009 of the Commissioner on Interception of Communications and Surveillance was tabled in the Legislative Council today (November 24).
"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 has continued to make recommendations and suggestions on various procedural matters in the course of discharging his oversight functions. The LEAs have accepted them in full and have either implemented them or are taking actions to implement them. The Security Bureau has also amended the Code of Practice to implement the Commissioner's recommendations as appropriate.
"The Commissioner notes that the Security Bureau and the LEAs have taken steps in apparent earnest in tackling the adverse effect of defects or deficiencies intended to be addressed by his recommendations and suggestions through practical means, and most of his recommendations have been given effect to," the spokesman said.
With the efforts of all parties concerned, the regime under the Ordinance has continued to operate smoothly during the report period. A comprehensive review of the Ordinance is ongoing. While we are committed to maintaining the effectiveness of the LEAs in combating serious crimes and protecting public security, we shall continue to strive for improvement in the operation of the Ordinance."
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 24, 2010
Issued at HKT 14:51
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