ENG-2000 — Page 377

PUBLIC ORDER

Illegal Immigration

The number of illegal immigrants (IIs) from the Mainland has seen a downward trend since 1993. In 2000, a total of 7 631 IIs were arrested by the police, an average of 21 per day, representing a decrease of 28 per cent when compared with 10 544 in 1999. Of these, 42 per cent claimed to have entered Hong Kong by sea and the remaining 58 per cent crossed the land boundary.

Close liaison has been maintained with the Guangdong Border Defence Bureau and this included exchange of intelligence and regular liaison meetings. These have proved to be effective in combating illegal immigration. A new device to improve the detection of IIs hiding underneath cross-boundary container lorries has been put in place.

Vietnamese Illegal Arrivals

During the year, 578 Vietnamese illegal immigrants (VIIs) were arrested, representing a decrease of 39 per cent when compared with 941 arrests in 1999. The Police Force provided escorts on four occasions under the Orderly Repatriation Programme for the repatriation of 560 VIIs to Vietnam.

The Government announced on February 22 the implementation of a Widened Local Resettlement Scheme to allow some 1 400 Vietnamese refugees and migrants to apply for settlement in Hong Kong. As an integral measure under the scheme, the Pillar Point Vietnamese Refugees Centre in Tuen Mun was closed on May 31.

Police Dog Unit

There are 133 dogs in the Police Dog Unit, comprising general patrol dogs and 'sniffer' dogs. The unit has the responsibility of ensuring that all dogs and handlers are professionally trained and their skills are maintained at a high level of proficiency. The unit also provides training to drug detection dogs from the Customs and Excise Department.

Specialist 'sniffer' dogs are stationed at the Hong Kong International Airport to provide a round-the-clock response for search operations. The unit's explosives detection dogs also play a key role in security operations undertaken by the Police Force.

Traffic

Reducing traffic accidents and maintaining a smooth traffic flow are two main functions of the Traffic Police. These objectives are achieved by taking stringent enforcement action concerning offences that are leading factors in causing accidents; prompt investigation of traffic accidents to identify preventable causes; promotion of road safety awareness in conjunction with working partners including schools, trade associations, the mass media, and government bureaux and departments.

Several new pieces of road safety legislation were enacted during the year. These included banning the use of hand-held mobile phones when driving and imposing restrictions on newly qualified motorcyclists. In addition, the capability of the Traffic Police to combat irresponsible driving behaviour was enhanced by the acquisition of 340 additional alcohol screening devices and six 'in-car' video systems.

There were 14 949 traffic accidents involving casualties in 2000, representing an increase of 1.6 per cent compared with 1999. The number of fixed penalty tickets for

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