ENG-1980 — Page 178

PUBLIC ORDER

Criminal Records

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Computerisation of the Criminal Records Bureau Nominal Index System began and a complete systems design was drawn up. The system is expected to be fully operational by mid-1982.

Crime Prevention

The Crime Prevention Bureau increased its strength by about 50 men and small crime prevention teams are now working in every division. Of particular note was a permanent exhibition of security equipment which was opened at police headquarters, and a special campaign entitled 'Stop Crime Now', which was launched to make people more aware of their civic duty to take preventive measures to protect their own property.

Illegal Immigration

Altogether, 82,154 illegal immigrants from China were-arrested and repatriated while 8,428 Vietnamese refugees arrived in Hong Kong by sea. Resettlement of the Vietnamese to other countries continued slowly but steadily, however, and there were still 24,066 refugees in Hong Kong camps at the end of the year.

To keep pace with the development of new tactics by syndicates involved in illegal im- migration, particularly those using powerful speedboats between Macau and Hong Kong, the Marine Police Small Boat Unit was strengthened by the addition of three Zodiac in- flatable craft and three speedboats, which proved highly effective in apprehending illegal immigrants in shallow waters. The Small Boat Unit was responsible for 10,780 arrests. In addition, the Marine Police District was provided with nine new, high-speed launches. The command and control centre for maritime operations (POLNAV) was reorganised to include a Royal Navy unit to co-ordinate all Royal Navy and military resources acting in support of the Marine Police. At the same time, the Marine Police maintained close liaison with the Royal Air Force and the Royal Hong Kong Auxiliary Air Force in whose aircraft police observers flew daily in search of illegal immigrants.

In the New Territories, intensive efforts were made to counter illegal immigration across the land frontier. Police patrols continued to complement HM Forces and a new chain link fence, topped with dannert wire and illuminated with powerful lights supported by observation towers, was erected along the entire length of the land border. The 'snake fence', lying some distance back from the actual border and stretching from Sha Tau Kok to Lok Ma Chau, was realigned and strengthened.

New legislation was introduced in July, 1980, under which all illegal immigrants coming to Hong Kong direct from China were classed as 'unauthorised entrants'. The effect of the new law was that anyone found to be aiding and abetting the entry of illegal immigrants from China could be charged under legislation enacted in the previous year, which provided a maximum penalty of life imprisonment and a $5,000,000 fine for the offence. During the year, 555 people were charged with aiding and abetting illegal immigrants. Although the maximum sentences were not imposed, some offenders were sentenced to between five and six years' imprisonment.

Public Order

There were no major incidents affecting the territory's internal security, although a few localised and spontaneous incidents of confrontation between the police and members of the public created a great deal of media and general interest. However, these incidents were not indicative of any serious deterioration in relations between the police and the public.