WIDESPREAD police anger over inadequate safety in Vietnamese transfer operations will be raised with the Attorney-General by the Deputy Secretary for Security, Carrie Yau Tsang Ka-lai.
Mrs Yau told staff associations at the Police Force Council yesterday there was no policy saying charges would not be laid against Vietnamese in the lead-up to 1997.
The Government was responding to a protest from police and Correctional Services Department officers about the decision not to prosecute at least four Vietnamese who were identified on video committing assaults in a riot at Whitehead detention centre on May 20.
Senior Assistant Commissioner (Personnel and Training), Tony Mullins, said staff had put forward a vigorous argument.
'Obviously, some strong views were put forward by the staff on that decision not to go ahead with charges,' Mr Mullins said.
'As far as police management is concerned, we share the officers' concerns for their safety.