PUBLIC ORDER
Meetings were held with the Guangdong Border Defence Bureau which gave assurances it attached great importance to security along the boundary to combat illegal immigration. Close liaison with the bureau was maintained, and this included the exchange of intelligence on II activities. Other measures included reinforcing boundary and sea patrols, installing an under-vehicle surveillance system and hand- held infra-red video cameras for detection of IIs hiding under vehicles and holding a joint maritime exercise with the Guangdong and Macau authorities. These proved effective in preventing any II influx.
Vietnamese Illegal Arrivals
In 1999, 941 Vietnamese illegal immigrants (VIIs) were arrested, representing an increase of 7 per cent from 883 in 1998. During the year, the force provided escorts under the Orderly Repatriation Programme for the repatriation of 875 VIIs on five flights to Vietnam.
On June 13, about 100 residents fought inside the Pillar Point Vietnamese Refugee Centre. Two blocks were set ablaze and 15 persons were injured. A temporary shelter was opened at the site of the former New Horizons Centre to accommodate some 30 ethnic Chinese Vietnamese who were unable to find their own accommodation after they left the Pillar Point Centre. The temporary shelter was closed in July after the ethnic Chinese Vietnamese had moved out.
Year 2000 Readiness
During the year, the Operations Wing continued its planning in connection with the Year 2000 (Y2K) issue. Contingency plans were prepared and tested across various units and formations of the force, and externally with other government departments and service providers. Police units and resources were prepared to an optimum state of readiness to handle law and order events around all Y2K critical dates.
Police Dog Unit
The Police Dog Unit is staffed by inspectorate and non-commissioned officers with specialist skills in handling and training police dogs. Although the unit's headquarters is primarily responsible for breeding and training police dogs, officers and dogs from other departments are admitted to courses dedicated to training specialist sniffer dogs.
Apart from the District Dog Teams under the control of respective District Commanders, general purpose police dogs have been made part of the Emergency Unit in order to provide a prompt service. Specialist sniffer dogs are stationed at the Hong Kong International Airport and the Kai Tak Operational Base to provide round-the-clock service. They operate in conjunction with the force's Search Unit in special operations and at major events.
Traffic
To cope with the increase in population and in cross-boundary links with Guangdong Province, the Traffic Police work closely with the Transport Department regarding the co-ordination and monitoring of the planning and development of various infrastructural projects, including the expansion of major road networks and railway systems. Most of these projects are taking place in the New Territories.
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