Hong Kong anti-graft body advises frontline officers to improve vigilance

The International Commission Against Corruption ICAC logo is seen in Hong Kong at its headquarters building on March 30, 2012. AARON TAM TAM AFP HONG KONG - The Independent Commission Against Corruption advised its frontline officers to improve their vigilance and professionalism after several complaints from members of the public.

The committee last year received 13 complaints involving 26 allegations against the ICAC or its officers, according to the report submitted to the Legislative Council on Wednesday.

The committee, which handles non-criminal complaints, said 69 percent of the allegations were related to neglect of duties by ICAC officers, 23 percent to misconduct and eight percent to abuse of power.

ALSO READ: ICAC can add to nation's anti-corruption success.

There were four allegations in three of these complaints that were found to be substantiated, concerning a total of five ICAC officers. The five officers were given advice from senior officers, according to a government statement.

The ICAC also conducted a number of briefing sessions and strengthened its training programs for frontline officers to improve their vigilance and professionalism in delivering their duties.

According to the statement, ICAC officers were advised to inform the public about the investigation outcomes of their reports as soon as practicable and to be more vigilant in providing accurate information to the public.

The ICAC has also introduced enhanced measures on the handover of cases to make sure that a complainant is informed of any change in case officers and progress of investigations in a timely manner, it added.