PUBLIC ORDER
316
traffic wardens issued 512 627 tickets for parking offences, representing a decrease of 26 per cent. The number of summonses issued to traffic offenders was 61 146, a decrease of 13 per cent.
Police Licensing Office
Through the administration of a licensing system, an effective control has been maintained on the legitimate possession and use of arms and ammunition by individuals and shooting clubs in Hong Kong. The enactment of the Firearms and Ammunition (Amendment) Ordinance 2000 stipulates that firearms instructors and range officers are required to be approved before they are allowed to instruct other persons in the use and handling of arms and ammunition or to conduct and supervise the use of shooting ranges. With the authorisation of 132 arms instructors and approval of 243 range officers, the standard of firearms instruction and management of shooting ranges has been considerably enhanced, thereby further improving the maintenance of public safety and security.
The Security and Guarding Services Ordinance has been fully implemented since June 1, 1996. A total of 261 716 Security Personnel Permits have been issued and 203 744 of these remain valid. With a view to better regulating the security and guarding services industry, the Police Force has been working closely with the Security and Guarding Services Industry Authority. After a consultation exercise regarding the review in 2001 of the policy governing the issue of Security Personnel Permits to persons having criminal convictions, it was decided to tighten up the issuing criteria.
With a view to improving the regulatory mechanism in massage establishments and to minimise any inconvenience caused to bona fide trade operators, the Police Licensing Office has implemented a number of service improvements during the year. The Massage Establishment (Amendment) Bill came into effect on December 27, and under its provisions only premises providing full massage services to customers of the opposite sex will require a licence. In addition, registered Chinese medical practitioners, listed Chinese medicine practitioners and registered chiropractors are also exempted from licensing requirements.
Marine Region
The interdiction of sea-borne illegal immigration and smuggling activities remained enforcement priorities for the Marine Police Region, working closely with law enforcement counterparts both locally and in the Mainland. Technological advances with the introduction of enhanced radar systems further promoted the Region's ability to identify and intercept suspected illegal activity resulting in a continued downward trend in illegal immigration and an increase in the apprehension of smugglers. Effective enforcement action resulted in the arrest of 208 persons, the seizure of $42.5 million worth of contraband, together with the interception of 390 Mainland and 48 Vietnamese illegal immigrants in 2002. The introduction of two stationary barges in Deep Bay provided an advanced operational platform to support the units deployed and these, combined with the commissioning of two Keka-class vessels under the launch replacement programme, further strengthened the command, control and logistical aspects of Marine policing.