PUBLIC ORDER
105
For the time being, the multifarious all-powerful syndicate has ceased to exist and in its place has sprung up a number of lesser import/manufacture/distribution organisa- tions-with the control of each uncertain, and each apparently operating independently.
In 1975 the Narcotics Bureau seized 309.2 kilos of raw opium, 67 kilos of mor- phine, 48.4 kilos of heroin, 1.2 kilos of cannabis, and 3.9 kilos of barbitone. Officers neutralised seven heroin refineries and seized 844 litres of acetic anhydride together with other chemicals and equipment used in the manufacture of heroin.
Criminal Records
The major reorganisation of the Criminal Records Office system was completed in 1975, together with the introduction of computerised indices. One computer project seeks to maintain the details of criminal recidivists' methods of committing crime-so that if a crime is repeated, the offender might be identified by analysing aspects of the crime. This project, code-named Mosaic (Modus Operandi Search and Identification by Computer), places the Royal Hong Kong Police Force well ahead of many others.
The microfilming programme was also completed during the year. The Criminal Records Office now maintains details of 288,582 convicted persons on microfilm and a further 30,000 in hard jacket form. In addition, details of 310,000 case paper files are maintained on microfilm, with a further 90,000 in hard jacket form.
The Identification Bureau completed extensive modifications to the Henry system of classification in the main fingerprint collection section. During the year_44,227 fingerprint forms were processed, 25,313 people identified as having previous con- victions, and 18,670 security searches made. The number of fingerprints on file is now 328,464. In 1975 the Scenes of Crime Section attended 9,974 crime scenes and found fingerprint and palm-print impressions at 5,954 of them. As a result, 214 people were identified for 341 cases.
Communications and Transport Branch
The Communications and Transport Branch plans, installs and maintains for the force a sophisticated infrastructure consisting of radio installations, a comprehen- sive computer-controlled teleprinter system, a telephone network, radar installations and a variety of specialised electronic equipment. It also manages a transport fleet of 1,119 vehicles, a driver establishment of 1,249, and a driving school where all police drivers are trained and tested.
During the year 1,723 radios and 25 radar installations were in operation. There are 34 main radio networks-six territory-wide and 28 district networks. The complex beat radio scheme, which is designed to provide all policemen on urban beats with portable radios, will become operational in 1976.
Traffic
There were 15.4 miles of road laid in 1975, bringing the total to 667.1 miles. With 188,018 vehicles registered at the end of the year, traffic density on the roads was 281.8 vehicles per mile.