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SCMP Reporter

POLICE Commissioner Eddie Hui Ki-on's top command has been accused of shielding integrity-tainted officers in a stunning rebuke to his war against graft.

The Expatriate Inspectors' Association has alleged 'very senior level commanders' - understood to be up to the rank of chief superintendent - have 'doubtful integrity'.

The allegations surfaced yesterday as local officers criticised the fairness of the force's disciplinary hearings.

Officers are also considering legal challenge to secure the right of early retirement, renewing fears of an exodus of officers in the inspectorate ranks.

The association has called for officers with shadowy integrity to justify immediately why they should be allowed to continue in the force. They also said official morale reports, given to Governor Chris Patten before being relayed to Whitehall, were being 'sanitised' to distort a widespread mood of despair and 'present a favourable image'.

The association's unprecedented criticism emerged at a November 16 forum held by a sub-group of the Force Anti-corruption Strategy Steering Committee.

The committee, conducting the first review in 20 years of the force's anti-graft stance and to discuss a new code of ethics, has representatives from the Independent Commission Against Corruption.

There has been concern of fresh outbreaks of graft amid commission comments that recent police malpractice is similar in conduct and style to syndicates that prevailed in the 1960s.

In a report leaked to the South China Morning Post, the association, which represents about 400 officers, said: 'Certain officers, including very senior level commanders, are widely believed to be of doubtful integrity.' 'This signals tolerance of corruption and lack of resolve to confront the issue,' it said.

The paper goes on to say: The development of a further code of ethics is cosmetic. 'There is a strong perception force management lack conviction and resolve to dismiss officers whose integrity is in doubt.' Officers whose integrity is in doubt should be required to justify their continued service. 'Equally, it is morally reprehensible that officers are interdicted for lengthy periods on full pay. These officers should be required to perform non-frontline tasks.' The force should actively encourage 'whistle-blowers' to come forward and report bent colleagues.

All police should be subject to the same discipline. (At present, officers above the rank of superintendent are subject to colonial regulations.) The anti-corruption drive should examine all acts of criminality, not just matters covered by the Prevention of Bribery Ordinance.

The association also demanded steering committee members be thoroughly vetted, saying they should be beyond reproach.

The group is chaired by Senior Assistant Commissioner (Management Services) Pedro Ching Kwok-hoo.

It also comprises police civil secretary, Andrew Leung Kin-pong and assistant commissioners Angus Stephenson-Hamilton, Vince Walsh, Denis Shackleton and Jim Main.

Other representatives include chief superintendents Spencer Foo Tsun-kong and Eric Lockeyear, the force's official spokesman.

Association chairman Robin Jolly refused to comment yesterday on the details of the document, which has been circulated among senior ranks.

However, he conceded the association had long believed the force should be more ruthless in disciplinary matters.

Mr Lockeyear confirmed the views had been raised.

'At this meeting, a brainstorming session took place. These were ideas and areas that were raised,' Mr Lockeyear said.

'There is a categorical rejection of the commissioner himself being mentioned by name.

'It is untrue there was any allegation against the commissioner personally and any suggestion he is shielding corrupt or tainted officers is absolute drivel.' Commission head of operations Jim Buckle said last night he could not comment until he confirmed the document's authenticity. 'Many of the sentiments espoused though, I would have to agree with,' he said.

'Clearly there are problems but these are very much in the minority and it is our belief force management is committed to the task of eradicating corruption.' 



Top police under attack