PUBLIC ORDER
quality of the division's product and maintain the image of the service in the eyes of the courts and just as importantly, those of the public. Bearing the same objective and following the international trend for standardisation of forensic methods and practices, the division had gone through a stringent programme operated by ASCLD/LAB (American Society of Crime Laboratory Directors Laboratory Accreditation Board) for accreditation of all of its operations and was formally accredited by ASCLD in June 1996.
Much of the work done in the process of achieving international accreditation provided an invaluable base on which to build an overall strategic HRM plan for the Division, and the Government Laboratory as a whole, in line with the Hong Kong Government's initiative. The accredited Forensic Science Division is confident that its standards compare favourably with the best. The laboratory is well placed to meet the challenges of 1997 and beyond with a team of stable and enthusiastic professional and technical staff.
Immigration Department
By controlling entry to Hong Kong, the Immigration Department plays an important role in maintaining law and order. Through examination at control points and the vetting of visa applications, undesirable persons, including international criminals and terrorists, are detected and denied entry. In 1996, 9 504 such travellers and persons not in possession of proper documentation were refused permission to land and 2 031 people were refused visas.
Detection of Forged Travel Documents
Officers detected a total of 3 192 forged travel documents during the year, compared with 2 660 in 1995. Strict measures were taken to guard against the use of forged travel documents by travellers, as well as illegal immigrants.
Frequent contacts with local and overseas law enforcement agencies and consulates were maintained. Special operations were mounted against forgery syndicates.
Interception of Wanted Persons
In 1996, 119 136 wanted persons were intercepted at immigration control points and other offices. Of these, 73 were known or suspected terrorists, 1 126 were connected with murder cases, 5904 were suspected robbers, 43 638 were suspected of involvement in the trafficking of dangerous drugs and 68 395 were wanted in connection with other criminal offences.
Illegal Immigration and Unlawful Employment
Employment opportunities in Hong Kong continued to attract to the territory large numbers of illegal workers who were either illegal immigrants or visitors who breached their condition of stay. The lower wages accepted by these illegal workers encouraged unscrupulous employers to offer them employment. With the assistance of the Task Force Unit, more frequent checks were conducted at targeted locations, including construction sites, factories, restaurants and other places of employment. In 1996, 1 618 operations were conducted, and 4 560 illegal workers arrested.
The illegal workers were prosecuted and either fined or gaoled before being repatriated to their places of origin. Employers of illegal workers were also
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