ENG-1974 — Page 164

PUBLIC ORDER

111

As a result of police action, the practice of displaying watches and jewellery for sale to which false trademarks or hallmarks have been applied is now much less common, to the benefit of both the local consumer and tourists.

With the formation in early 1974 of a copyright investigation unit by the Com- merce and Industry Department, responsibility for the enforcement of the Copyright Ordinance is now being borne by that unit, thus freeing police from this commitment.

The Narcotics Bureau made a number of large seizures during the year totalling 4,727 kilos of raw opium, 95.4 kilos of heroin, 285.5 kilos of morphine, 4.175 kilos of cannabis and 416 kilos of barbitone. Three large seizures of raw opium were made, including a complete consignment at the importation stage which totalled 1,282.9 kilos of raw opium and 27.884 kilos of morphine. In addition seven clandestine heroin laboratories and two 'factories' producing acetic anhydride were neutralised. The total retail value of all drugs seized by the Narcotics Bureau during 1974 exceeded $121 million.

The Identification Bureau which comprises four sections (main fingerprint collection, scenes of crime, photographic and document examination) is undergoing an extensive modification to the Henry system of classification. This modification is scheduled for completion next year. During the year 42,232 fingerprint forms were processed and 25,056 persons identified through the bureau, which holds 318,180 fingerprints on file.

The CID Training School in the former Aberdeen Police Station, held 12-week courses for inspectorate and rank and file, including women police officers. Since April 1970 when the school opened 1,093 students have received instruction, includ- ing officers from the Royal Brunei Police, Hong Kong Immigration Department and Hong Kong Preventive Service.

Police Tactical Unit

The primary role of the Police Tactical Unit, which is based at Volunteer Slopes, Fanling, in the New Territories is to provide 'all members of the police force with a thorough grounding in anti-riot and crowd control tactics. The unit also provides a ready supply of trained men capable of being deployed to any situation at short notice.

Training comprises a 27-week course, following which each company has a period of 12 weeks reserve.

Each year a total of nine companies undergo training at the PTU, and peri- odically platoons of women police are formed for a one week attachment, during which they are given instruction in basic crowd control. When the need arises for an honour guard, members are selected from one of the companies under training and given instruction at the PTU.

Also based at Volunteer Slopes is the Police Personnel Carrier Unit which is equipped with 15 Saracen armoured personnel carriers.