ENG-2003 — Page 382

PUBLIC ORDER

322

computerised suspect album library, an index of crime information sent to the Police Force by members of the public and a system that can assist in identifying suspects by their criminal methods and descriptions.

Forensic Firearms Examination

The Forensic Firearms Examination Bureau continued to play an important role in the investigation of firearms-related crimes by enhancing the quality of services it provides within the Police Force and to other disciplined services. Since 2000, the bureau has been an accredited laboratory with the American Society of Crime Laboratory Directors (ASCLD) and ranked in equal status with other overseas facilities, such as the FBI Laboratory in the United States.

The bureau's Scanning Electron Microscope and the computerised Integrated Bullet and Cartridge Identification System have heightened the force's capability in solving firearms-related crimes.

Identification

The Identification Bureau continued its key role in the investigation and detection of crime by applying the latest fingerprint detection techniques in crime scenes and subsequent fingerprint identification.

The Scene of Crime Section provides fingerprint services at crime scenes on a 24- hour basis. Through efficient coordination, Scene of Crime Officers attended 89.3 per cent of crime scenes within 45 minutes of being called. To implement the provisions of the DNA legislation that took effect in 2001, a dedicated cadre of Scene of Crime Officers has been responsible for DNA sampling since June of that year. With effect from June 2003, the responsibility for the collection of DNA samples has been divided into two groups of officers. About 1 000 front-line officers, including Uniform Branch and Crime, are now trained for taking DNA samples (normally buccal swabs) from suspects, volunteers and convicted persons. Scene of Crime Section officers recover both fingerprint and DNA evidence from crime scenes. The number of DNA profiles stored in the database exceeds 4 500 and, in total, DNA evidence has linked over 280

cases.

The advanced technology applied in recovery of fingerprints from crime scenes and exhibits, together with the sophisticated Computer Assisted Fingerprint Identification System, contributes substantially to the bureau's success by achieving a consistently high level of identification. In 2003, the bureau identified 1 688 suspects involved in 1 493 cases. The Photographic Section also assists in the gathering of valuable evidence from crime scenes, and its officers attended 4 275 crime scenes. During the year, the section produced 1 286 689 photographs and slides. Apart from conventional photographic services, the section provided video crime scene re-enactments and the printing of photographs from bank surveillance films and videotapes.

Liaison

The Liaison Bureau acts as a coordination centre in dealing with all police-related inquiries from overseas police organisations and local consulate officials.

The bureau's Liaison Division is responsible for liaison with Mainland and Macau police authorities. Close liaison has been maintained with the Interpol China National Central Bureau in Beijing, the Guangdong Liaison Office, the Shenzhen and Zhuhai Liaison Sub-Offices of Guangdong, and the newly established Shanghai