ENG-1997 — Page 370

PUBLIC ORDER

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The Biochemical Sciences Sections continued development of the new DNA-related PCR/STR techniques, introducing these into casework on a limited basis in the middle of the year. Compilation of databases continues as does development of further systems. It is hoped that the PCR technique will form the basis of all biochemical casework by the middle of 1998.

The Chemical Science Section devoted a great deal of time to the investigation of the tragic Garley Building fire, in November 1996, culminating in evidence being given to the Commission of Inquiry in June 1997. It was one of several large multi- fatality fires investigated by the section during the year.

By reorganising into three parallel units in 1996, the turnover time for the Controlled Drugs Section improved considerably during 1997. Heroin remained the major drug of abuse, but the number of cases involving methylamphetamine in the form of 'ice' continued to increase (676 compared with 580 in 1996) as did cases involving 'ecstasy' (59 compared with 43 in 1996) and the benzodiazepine drugs midazolam (1 449 compared with 1 313 in 1996) and estazolam (47 cases compared with 19 in 1996).

At the beginning of the year, the responsibility for the control of human resources and quality management was placed under a new section covering the entire laboratory. The section's brief includes responsibility for all quality assurance trials and proficiency tests of staff in the Forensic Science Division. This testing forms an essential part of the overall procedures required as part of the accreditation process. It also helps to ensure the achievement of high standards of excellence that the division sets itself and which are essential for an impartial and efficient service to the public of Hong Kong.

Immigration Department

By controlling entry to the HKSAR, the Immigration Department plays an important role in maintaining law and order. Through examination at control points and the vetting of visa applications, undesirable persons including international criminals and terrorists, are detected and denied entry. In 1997, 9 935 such travellers and persons not in possession of proper documentation were refused permission to land and 2 495 people were refused visas.

Detection of Forged Travel Documents

Officers detected a total of 3 083 forged travel documents during the year, compared with 3 192 in 1996. Strict measures were taken to guard against the use of forged travel documents by travellers, as well as illegal immigrants. Frequent contacts with local and overseas law enforcement agencies and consulates were maintained. Special operations were mounted against forgery syndicates.

Interception of Wanted Persons

In 1997, 121 501 wanted persons were intercepted at immigration control points and other offices. They were suspected to be in connection with trafficking of dangerous drugs and other criminal offences such as murder and robbery.