Forensic Medical Laboratory
165. The laboratory, located at Police Headquarters, is staffed by three forensic pathologists, one pharmacist/chemist and five assistants. During the year under review, 184 post-mortem examinations were performed. Attendances at scenes of crime totalled 99 while assistance was given in 63 raids in connexion with unregistered medical practi- tioners and dentists, the manufacture of dangerous drugs and possession of poisons. Laboratory work included the examination of 1,781 victims, suspects and exhibits, and 2,235 blood groupings were carried out. Attendances at Court totalled 61. Lectures were also given to police officers on the medical aspect of police work, on the handling of exhibits and on narcotics, and to 5th year medical students at the University of Hong Kong.
The Ballistics Office
166. The Ballistics Officer is primarily concerned with the examina- tion and disposal of all arms, ammunition and explosives coming into the possession of the police, and inspects and advises on the storage and use of dangerous goods, mainly explosives. Expert evidence relating to arms and explosives was given in Court on twelve occasions during the year. Thirty six firearms and 1,255 rounds of ammunition were seized throughout the year, and fourteen firearms and 1,186 rounds of ammunition found. Shootings investigated totalled eighteen and explosions twenty seven; seizures of dangerous goods, including fire- works, totalled thirty four.
Statistics Office
167. The Statistics Office, situated at Police Headquarters, is respon- sible for the compilation of daily, weekly, monthly, quarterly and annual crime returns and reports and where required for research in specific offences. Special records are maintained of many types of serious crime, as well as crime maps and graphs. This section is also responsible for the publication of the Police Gazette and notices, and controls the printing section which operates a Multilith printing machine.
Commercial Crime Section
168. The number of reports investigated by the Commercial Crime Section again increased considerably. Close co-operation is maintained with the Commerce and Industry Department in respect of investiga- tions under the Merchandise Marks Ordinance. There was also a greater exchange of information and correspondence with New Scotland Yard
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