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nature of their work involves mainly detailed chemical and physical analyses for comparative purposes, generating scientific evidence that requires opinion-based interpretations.
The Biochemical Science sections have fully implemented the application of DNA- related Polymerase Chain Reaction-Short Tandem Repeats (PCR-STR) profiling techniques for casework. The semi-automatic procedures of DNA profiling now in operation improve efficiency and increase casework turnover. These two sections have also been involved in the preparation of the proposed legislation on the taking of intimate and non-intimate samples from persons suspected to have committed serious criminal offences. The new legislation enables the establishment of an offender databank of DNA profiles. Comparison of these with DNA profiles of samples collected from crime scenes could produce intelligence that is particularly useful for solving serial crimes.
The Drugs and Toxicology Group comprises the Controlled Drugs sections and the Forensic Toxicology sections. It undertakes similar comparative work carried out by Physical and Biochemical Evidence Group but the main feature of its work is the detection and quantitative analysis of items for the presence of drugs and poisonous substances. The group undertakes a large volume of illicit drug analysis in cases of possession, trafficking and manufacture, possession and illegal sale of controlled pharmaceutical preparations, toxicological examination in some death inquiries and blood alcohol analysis in drink-driving cases. It also provides advisory services for matters relating to changes in drug legislation. Drug abuse trends in respect of cases reported have continued to decrease in 1999. The number of routine drug cases analysed by the Controlled Drugs Section dropped to 7 757. Heroin continued to be the major drug of abuse, followed by cannabis, midazolam and methamphetamine. The number of cases involving the 'ecstasy' group of abused drugs rose to 142 cases from 28 in 1998.
The laboratory's Scene of Crimes Unit is responsible for round-the-clock crime. scene examination work and other specialist crime scene services such as blood spatter interpretation, fire investigation, traffic accident reconstruction, premises producing counterfeit documents and illicit drug manufacturing.
Forming an interface among the law enforcement departments, prosecution and judiciary, the Forensic Science Division is a vital component in the maintenance of law and order. Scientific evidence generated by the division provides investigation leads, helps Government Counsel decide whether or not to prosecute, and assists jurors and the courts to reach a verdict.
Immigration Department
Immigration Control
The Immigration Department plays an important role in maintaining law and order by controlling entry to the HKSAR. Through examination at control points and vetting of entry applications, undesirable persons including international criminals and terrorists, are detected and denied entry. In 1999, 6 436 such travellers and 10 485 other persons not in possession of proper documentation were refused permission to land; 2 198 entry applications were refused.