348 Public Order
professionally trained and that their skills are maintained at a high level of proficiency. The unit also trains drug detection dogs from the Customs and Excise Department.
Special 'sniffer' dogs are stationed at Hong Kong International Airport and the Kai Tak Operational Base to provide round-the-clock service in search operations. The unit's explosives detection dogs also play a key role in security operations undertaken by the Police Force.
Traffic
In 2004 there were 15 026 traffic accidents involving casualties, representing an increase of 4.1 per cent compared with 2003. However, the number of fatal traffic accidents in 2004 was 160, representing a decrease of 7.5 per cent compared with 2003. During 2004, 434 863 fixed penalty tickets for moving offences were issued, an increase of 16.1 per cent compared with 2003. Police officers and traffic wardens issued a total of 552 339 tickets for parking offences during 2004, representing an increase of 9.1 per cent. The number of summons issued to traffic offenders in 2004 stood at 67 701, an increase of 8.9 per cent compared with 2003.
Police Licensing Office
On April 1, the criteria for issuing Security Personnel Permits (SPPs) were further revised. An additional avenue through which applicants for Categories A, B and C SPPs can satisfy the criterion of 'proficiency in security work' was introduced. Moreover, the validity of the 'certification of employment by prospective employers' criterion was extended for six months to September 30, 2004. The number of valid SPP holders stood at 244 503 at the end of 2004.
In June, re-examination was satisfactorily completed for more than 800 previously approved modified firearms. This ensured better safety to persons engaged in film shooting involving the use of firearms and members of the public.
As at December 2004, there are 195 licensed massage establishments, 188 licensed pawnbrokers and 5 045 liquor licensed premises in Hong Kong.
Marine Region
The Marine Region has completed initial research into the introduction of new operating protocols required for policing the waters of Hong Kong for the next 10-15 years. Essentially, the introduction of technologically advanced coastal surveillance systems linked with an enhanced radar system as well as faster, more practical patrol vessels will not only advance compliance with the International Ship and Port Facility Security Code (ISPS Code), but also better focus resources to deal with the multitude of activities associated with policing the busy waters of Hong Kong. In the long run, this will bring about considerable savings in both capital and recurrent expenditure, while equipping the Region to better address the projected policing requirements of the next decade.
Public Relations
The Police Public Relations Branch (PPRB) plays a vital role in informing the public about the work of the police in order to project a positive image of the Force, as well