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set up in 2005. It equips frontline officers with timely background information to allow them to make a more evidence-based risk assessment and a better-informed decision on the appropriate mode of intervention. There was also a strong emphasis on training during the year which focused not only on operational procedures but also on the need for sensitivity, victim psychology and dilemmas, empathy and conflict management.
Commercial Crime
The Commercial Crime Bureau adopted a more proactive approach to intelligence-led investigations of syndicated and serious fraud, counterfeit and forgery cases as well as technology crime.
In 2005, the prevalence of serious fraud cases, counterfeit currencies and credit card usage diminished. Notwithstanding expanded renminbi business in Hong Kong and the increase in visitors from the Mainland under the Individual Visit Scheme, counterfeit renminbi reports remained steady throughout the year.
Technology Crime
There were 654 technology crimes reported in 2005, an increase of 16.7 per cent over the previous year. Most of these technology crimes were minor in nature and, with 398 related to online-games, the theme of the Force's technology crime prevention strategy of 2005-06 was information technology (IT) security awareness and cyber ethics among youths. Among many other initiatives, the Technology Crime Division worked on the project, 'JPC IT Security Ambassadors' together with the Police Public Relations Branch. During the first phase, 120 selected Junior Police Call (JPC) members were given IT security training which they, acting as 'security ambassadors', could pass on to their homes and schools.
The Technology Crime Division also worked closely with many strategic partners including the Office of Government Chief Information Office, Hong Kong Computer Emergency Response Team Coordination Centre, Hong Kong Internet Exchange, Hong Kong Domain Name Registry, and major internet services providers, to ensure cyber security was maintained at a high level.
Narcotics
The number of arrests for drug-related offences fell during the year. However, the total amount of ketamine, herbal cannabis and methamphetamine confiscated increased substantially on account of several large seizures. A total of 409.48 kilograms of ketamine, 239.94 kilograms of methamphetamine, 485.65 kilograms of cannabis, 65 125 ecstasy-type tablets, 42.08 kilograms of heroin and 17.05 kilograms of cocaine were seized in Hong Kong.
In operations targeting narcotics, the Police Force dismantled three heroin manufacturing centres where the drug was mixed with other substances to increase its bulk and then re-packaged. Enforcement actions also focused on neutralising premises used as divans where heroin was sold and consumed.
In 2005, the number of people arrested for drug offences of all kinds totalled 6 008. Of those, 586 were aged 16 to 20 years and 70 were under 16. A total of