Rectifying police discipline; organised crime under control

In an exclusive interview, Secretary of Security Wong Sio Chak says that so far there has been no sign of increased criminal activity related to slumping gaming revenues but the authorities are nevertheless on high alert due to the rapidly changing nature of Macau society
Joanne Kuai
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Photos: Cheong Kam Ka
In the newly launched section of the official website of the Office of the Secretary for Security – titled ‘Alarm Bells Ringing’ – 8 cases of officers violating the laws and regulations have been listed.
The webpage, launched last week, displays cases dating back from December last year until June 12. They include officers from the Judiciary Police (PJ) involved in blackmail; a prison guard suspected of bribery; a Fire Services Bureau officer involved in an illegal gambling scheme; a Public Security Forces officer arrested for sexual harassment, and several more. Four of the offences were perpetrated just this month.
Each case has been publicised with a summary description, response from the Secretary for Security and relevant departments, follow-up action and measures taken to prevent recurrences.
In an exclusive interview with De Ficção Multimedia Projects (which owns Business Daily, Macau Business and Business Intelligence) the Secretary for Security, Wong Sio Chak, tells us the new measure seeks to enhance the transparency of the administration of the security sector as well as strengthening internal supervision and that of society.
Rectifying discipline
Instances of police force officers suspected of conducting crimes have made headlines throughout the city in recent months, raising concerns in local society about the quality and integrity of the individuals safeguarding the city’s security.
Secretary for Security, Wong Sio Chak, says they have zero tolerance of any violation and they do not fear this kind of expose, in the sense that it helps with “cleaning the team”. The security head also vows full co-operation with the investigatory bodies.
“Some of the cases were investigated and exposed by our own people from the Public Security Police (PSP). Some were disclosed by the Commission Against Corruption (CCAC),” says Mr. Wong. “Our attitude is that we do not fear exposure, and we need to take the initiative to expose such cases by ourselves. Only by cleaning up the team can the police force have a better image and improved workforce.”
The Secretary for Security added that as a law enforcement force, the discipline and integrity of the staff from the departments in his secretariat represent the fundamentals of a just and fair society in addition to increasing law enforcement efficiency.
Human resources challenge
There are around 10,800 personnel under the Secretariat of Security. The Secretary says this year they intend to hire 500 people, of whom 400 will be police officers, while the remainder will be assigned civilian posts. Recruitment, however, remains a challenge.
“Usually, the positions cannot be filled: 80 per cent would be a very good result already. Positions in the Judiciary Police, Public Security Forces Affairs Bureau and Customs are more or less O.K. But sometimes, only 30 per cent of the positions in the prison can be filled,” said Wong Sio Chak.
The Secretary said that they have been trying to improve the staff working environment, such as providing counselling services for frontline officers to deal with work pressures.
Moreover, improving the sense of belonging of the officers and their family members in order to build team spirit is also an important work. In addition, scientific deployment helps enhance efficiency. However, competing with the corporations for talent is not easy.
“We need information technology (IT) talent to cope with the increasing Internet crimes and telecommunication crimes. But we’re very short-staffed,” says Mr. Wong. “The gaming operators need IT talent, as well, and they offer much better salaries than the government. The competition (for recruitment) is fierce.”
On alert
With gaming revenues plummeting in the city for a full year, potential related criminal activities have generally been of concern to society. The number of cases of illegal imprisonment and loan-sharking, for example, both exhibit year-on-year growth.
In the first quarter of this year, 310 criminal cases were related to gaming, an increase of 22.45 per cent year-on-year, according to data released by the Security Secretariat.
Wong Sio Chak said the growth rate in relevant crimes has decreased compared to the last two years. The security head indicated that there is no sign of increased related crimes but that the authorities are nevertheless keeping a close eye on developments.
“Gaming is the key industry of Macau. It has a close connection to all aspects of our financial lives. The slump in gaming revenues would definitely have an impact on all walks of life. For the time being, there is no strong sign [of related crimes]. But we need to prevent the unstable elements that [accompany] these signs, such as unhealthy competition, and social security hazards caused by gangs fighting for interests,” said Wong Sio Chak.
Under control
The Secretary for Security acknowledged that minor crimes always account for a large part of criminal cases. Wong Sio Chak said the number of serious crimes are declining, with zero cases of murder or kidnapping since last year, indicating that Macau’s environment is generally safe.
In terms of the notorious organised crimes that were rampant in the late 90s in Macau, Wong Sio Chak said the SAR would not allow its people to relive those dark days.
“It was a significant phenomenon before the handover – gangs fought for interests in the gaming industry, resulting in the deterioration of Macau’s social security. We need to reflect and use that situation that took place before the handover as a mirror – we cannot, and we won’t, allow security to go backwards,” said Mr. Wong.
He added that the security forces have a full command of the activities of local gangs. “We need to control and monitor all triad groups and interested groups, especially triad groups’ activities inside the casinos. We must know and we do know.”
In terms of money laundering, the Secretary for Security said that the Judiciary Police recently set up a task force tackling the issue and that the work of the Financial Intelligence Office has been bearing fruit. Nevertheless, the Secretary pledged that Macau would continue stepping up its efforts, as in participating in international co-operation and intelligence exchange.