fessional officers of the Medical and Health Department, working as an integral part of the Force.
Forensic Pathology work covers an extremely wide
field, crimi
mainly involves the examination of victims of assault and post-mortem examination, together with attendance at the scenes of crimes, and appearance at court when charges are laid.
The work of the Forensic Chemists is also widely varied and much time is taken up in the examination and quanti- fication of drugs seized. An equally important aspect is the examination of articles seized in connection with crimes or attendance at scenes in the search for 'contact' evidence, very often of vital importance.
There is a continuing programme to keep abreast of new methods and developments in order to increase the eviden- tial value obtained from exhibits. In this respect a new section is being established to undertake the serology and bio-chemistry of blood. By the use of electroporetic and other chemical techniques, the section will be able to dramatically increase the value of 'blood evidence' by the determination of a number of subgroups.
Ballistics Office
This office has a strength of two qualified Ballistics Officers, and two serving police officers are attached to it for training. A Ballistics Officer is required to attend the scene of all crimes involving the use of a firearm, evaluate the evidence found and attend court as required to give expert evidence. In 1977 the Office dealt with 349 cases in Hong Kong.
One aspect of the work of the Office has proved of in- creasing value. This is the firearms collection, which has been built up over a period of years. It is now the practice for witnesses to an armed robbery to be invited to view the collection in the hope of a tentative identification. Reference can then be made to the records of lost or stolen firearms, or intelligence on groups known to favour a particular model.
Crime Prevention Bureau
Plans are well advanced to bring it up to the strength necessary to provide a capability for taking an active role in the field at Force, district and divisional levels. The Bureau disseminates advice to interested agencies and participates in exhibitions.
It has been encouraging to note that there is an increasing awareness of the need for security in vulnerable premises and more use of security equipment.
The Bureau is also developing the sociological approach to crime prevention in which it takes an increasingly active role. It works in close co-operation with the Police Public Relations Bureau and Police Community Relations Officers.
Once the Bureau has been strengthened, it will be possible for it to take a more active role. In districts and divisions, experienced officers will visit the scenes of all preventable crimes in order to help the victim to ensure there is no recurrence, and to advise others of what precautions may be taken to protect their own property.
Consideration is also being given to the introduction of legislation with a view to causing owners to take better care of themselves and their belongings, but such a step would be taken only after a thorough assessment of public opinion. For example, certain countries have already made it an offence to leave one's car unattended with the ignition key left in full view in the lock. No such step has yet been taken in Hong Kong, but if vehicle thefts continue to increase, it might be advisable.
A permanent exhibition of various security devices is already maintained in CID Headquarters. This is to be expanded. But in itself it already offers a good service to property owners.
The Bureau staff will also be readily available to give advice on security procedures as distinct from equipment. In short, a far better service than the limited one which is presently available is being planned.
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