ENG-2002 — Page 399

PUBLIC ORDER

in 2001. Frequent contacts with local, Mainland and overseas law enforcement agencies and consulates were maintained. Special operations were mounted against forgery syndicates.

Interception of Wanted Persons

In 2002, 203 357 wanted persons were intercepted at immigration control points and other offices. These persons were suspected to be connected with trafficking in dangerous drugs and other criminal offences such as murder and robbery.

Illegal Immigration and Unlawful Employment

In 2002, 6 545 illegal immigrants were apprehended and repatriated, compared with 8 896 in 2001.

Illegal workers comprised mainly illegal immigrants and visitors who breached their conditions of stay. The Immigration Task Force conducted frequent checks at targeted locations, including construction sites, factories, restaurants and other places of employment. In 2002, 3 580 operations were conducted and 11 990 illegal workers were arrested, compared with 2 896 operations and 7 841 arrests in 2001.

The illegal workers were prosecuted and either fined or jailed before being repatriated to their places of origin. Employers of illegal workers were also prosecuted and fined and, in serious cases, imprisoned. In 2002, 383 employers of illegal workers were prosecuted, compared with 310 in 2001.

Deportation and Removal

The Immigration Department processes deportation and removal orders. During the year, 7139 persons convicted of possessing or trafficking in dangerous drugs, deception, theft, forgery and other criminal offences were considered for deportation and 620 were deported. Another 6 526 were removed from the HKSAR under removal orders. These included 293 illegal immigrants and 6 233 people who had breached their conditions of stay.

Investigation and Prosecution of Immigration Offences

During the year, 24 704 charges were laid against persons who had committed various immigration offences. These included remaining in the HKSAR illegally, breaching conditions of stay, making false statements or representations, and using or possessing forged travel documents.

Fire Services

The Fire Services Department fights fires, protects life and property in cases of fires and other calamities, provides emergency ambulance services and gives fire protection advice to the public.

The department's establishment of staff comprises 8 708 uniformed and 685 civilian members. It is one of the world's finest fire brigades, with well-trained personnel, advanced communication systems, and modern equipment and appliances.

The department responded to 41 204 fire calls, 20 413 special service calls and 560 666 ambulance calls in 2002, representing an average of 1 705 calls a day.

To prepare for the implementation of the Dangerous Goods (Amendment) Ordinance 2002, following the bill's passing by the Legislative Council on March 13,

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