ENG-1979 — Page 172

PUBLIC ORDER

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Tak Airport, may be temporary if traffickers are willing to accept high risks to obtain the huge profits obtainable from this illicit trade.

The abuse of cannabis increased in 1979, particularly among Hong Kong's expatriate population. While this problem is minor compared with heroin abuse, it is disturbing to note that the drug is now imported into Hong Kong in bulk and then sold to users. In the past, cannabis users imported the drug for their personal use. Abuse of LSD and PCP is not known to exist in Hong Kong.

Criminal Records Bureau

The Criminal Records Bureau was faced with an increased workload in 1979 which, together with upkeep, resulted in 750,000 searches, the creation of more than 30,000 new criminal records files and the administration of more than 600,000 case files.

Preparation for computerisation, still awaiting financial approval, and the increased use of microfilm proceeded as part of a general modernisation programme. Work included a survey of the requirements of duplicating all film and the establishment of twin microfilm libraries to protect against the risk of fire.

To maintain maximum efficiency in the light of increasing demands on the services of the bureau, a complete review of staff, equipment and accommodation was proceeding.

Ballistics and Firearms Investigation Bureau

The Ballistics and Firearms Investigation Bureau comprises two ballistics officers, two chief inspector trainees and one sergeant. The bulk of its work involves the technical investiga- tion of firearms and inquiring into firearm-related offences; the testing of new types of firearms; and the examination of bullet-resistant materials.

Officers of the bureau also attend the scenes of robberies and burglaries where valuable property or large amounts of cash have been taken. They examine locks, safes and other security equipment, try to establish methods of entry to premises, and also scrutinise tool marks for comparison with those found at other scenes of crime.

The bureau is equipped with sophisticated microscopic and photographic equipment which it uses to examine fired bullets, cartridge cases and tool marks, and it prepares photo- graphs of comparisons for production as exhibits in court cases.

Identification Bureau

The Identification Bureau provides an efficient service in relation to fingerprint technology and forensic photography, thus playing an important role in crime investigation and detec- tion. To meet an increased workload and for operational convenience, an additional scenes of crime/photographic unit was set up at the new Frontier Divisional Headquarters in Fanling.

The Scenes of Crime Section attended 12,163 crime scenes to search for fingerprints in 1979. Of the 8,397 fingerprint impressions found, 334 people were identified in connection with 402 cases.

Crime Prevention Bureau

The Crime Prevention Bureau is responsible for research into crime prevention methods and the dissemination of advice, upon request, to government departments, private organisa- tions and members of the public. In conjunction with the Police Public Relations Wing and the Government Information Services, the bureau publicises advice and information through various media. From time to time, it organises lectures and crime prevention