Public Order | 347
Through a well-received demonstration of its capabilities to the diplomatic community stationed in Hong Kong, the SDU has reassured Hong Kong's international partners of its ability and resoluteness to fight terrorism.
Apart from counter-terrorism efforts, the SDU has continued its efforts to keep Hong Kong safe. Most notably, Christmas Eve of 2003 saw the arrest of Hong Kong's most wanted criminal, along with the biggest seizure of weapons in 30 years.
Explosive Ordnance Disposal Bureau
The Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) Bureau is at the forefront of the Police Force's preparedness for terrorist incidents involving explosives or Chemical, Biological, Radiological or Nuclear (CBRN) agents. The bureau's capability is greatly enhanced by the EOD cadre, a group of part-time police volunteers who have been trained in improvised explosive device disposal. The cadre receives ongoing training and is called to assist the Unit as needed, for example, during VIP visits. As part of an ongoing counter terrorist exchange programme, officers from the bureau exchanged visits with their counterparts in the United Kingdom, USA and Australia, and the bureau has continued to enhance its intelligence network with bomb data centres around the world.
Beyond the central role of dealing with improvised explosive devices in Hong Kong, the EOD Bureau provides other services to the community and the Police Force. The bureau has dealt with World War II munitions which are still found from time to time. It disposed of thousands of pyrotechnic devices surrendered to the Police Force. The bureau has a heavy training commitment, raising awareness among officers. throughout the Force and other Government departments on the actions required when dealing with criminal and terrorist incidents. In addition, the bureau provides training and licensing services to units which are required to use and handle explosives.
Illegal Immigration
Since 1994, there has been a downward trend in illegal immigration from the Mainland. During the year, 2 899 illegal immigrants were arrested by the police, an average of eight per day, representing a decrease of 24 per cent compared with 3 809 in 2003. Of these, 55 per cent crossed the land boundary and the remaining 45 per cent claimed to have entered by sea.
Close liaison in the form of regular liaison meetings and exchange of intelligence was maintained with the Guangdong Border Defence Bureau. The Guangdong bureau has been working in partnership with the Police Force to prevent cross- boundary crimes. The entire boundary fence is now monitored round-the-clock with the use of advanced technical equipment to intercept illegal immigrants from the Mainland.
Police Dog Unit
There are about 170 dogs in the Police Dog Unit, comprising general patrol dogs and 'sniffer' dogs. The unit is responsible for ensuring that all dogs and handlers are