The Civil Aid Service (CAS) is a civil organisation that assists in a variety of auxiliary emergency roles, including search and rescue operations in Hong Kong. CAS is funded by the Hong Kong Government and its members wear uniforms.
History
Badge of the Civil Aid Service, 1952–1997.Flag of the Civil Aid Service, 1952–1997.
Formed in 1952 under the British colonial government of Hong Kong (CAS Ordinance) and modelled after Civil Aid agencies in the United Kingdom.
As well, a youth section, CAS Cadet Corps, adds 3,232 volunteers to the regular 3,634 force.
The concept was introduced during British rule, an organisation also found in Britain.
A dedicated Civil Aid Service rescue training centre, with indoor and outdoor training areas, was opened by the governor on 15 November 1953 at Hawthorn Road, Happy Valley.[1]
The CAS used to be headquartered at Caroline Hill Road in Causeway Bay. It moved to Yau Ma Tei in 2006. The six-storey former CAS Headquarters is slated for demolition by the government.[2]
Duties
The stated duties of the Service are:
to provide support to the government regular emergency forces on counter disaster activities, mountain search and rescue, flood rescue, countryside fire protection duties;
to provide crowd control and management services in major public functions;
to patrol country parks and hiking trails and to assist people in need of help;
to stage performances to enhance public attention on major campaigns or activities organised by government departments and non-government organisations;
to provide training activities and professional services on mountain safety/rescue for government departments and non-government organisations.
Organisation
CAS are headed by the Commissioner and CAS (Department) by Chief Staff Officer (also Deputy Commissioner).
Past commissioners
Dr. Ernest Lee SW, SBS, PhD, JP
Dr. Norman Leung
The Hon Charles Edward Michael Terry (founding commissioner)
Rank
Commissioner (Grade Senior VII Officer)
Deputy Commissioner - Operations, Administration (Grade VII Officer)
Senior Assistant Commissioner - Operations, Administration, Development & Youth (Grade VII Officer)
Regional (Hong Kong, Kowloon, New Territories) / Cadet Corps / Support Force Commander / Administration Force / Tactical Force (Grade VII Officer)
Deputy Regional / Cadet Corps / Support Force Commander (Grade SVI Officer)
Assistant Regional Commander / Principal Staff Officer (Grade VI Officer)
Company Commander / Senior Staff Officer (Grade SV Officer)
Deputy Company Commander / Staff Officer (Grade V Officer)
Platoon Commander / Assistant Staff Officer (Grade IV Officer)
The Mountain Search and Rescue Company (民安隊山嶺搜救中隊) or CAS MSaR consists of two search and rescue teams specializing in mountain terrain within Hong Kong (mainly in the New Territories). MSaR team is made up of auxiliary members of CAS. Formed in 1967, it has a combined total of 246 members.[3] MSaR works with Hong Kong Fire Services and Government Flying Service (air support) when deployed to incidents.
Crest
The current crest of the force was adopted in 1997 to replace most of the British colonial symbols:
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