ENG-2003 — Page 383

PUBLIC ORDER

Liaison Office. Since 1990, 236 criminal fugitives and 287 stolen vehicles have been returned to Hong Kong from the Mainland.

The bureau represents the Hong Kong Police Force in the International Criminal Police Organisation (ICPO), better known as Interpol, as a sub-bureau of the China National Central Bureau. A Hong Kong police officer is seconded to the ICPO General Secretariat in Lyon, France, to work in one of its specialised groups, to enhance international cooperation in combating crime.

During the year, with the assistance and cooperation provided by overseas enforcement agencies, two persons were extradited to Hong Kong and nine were extradited from Hong Kong to other countries.

Public Order

The Police Tactical Unit (PTU) Headquarters provides training to Regional and District personnel to cope with internal security commitments. During the year, more than 1400 officers received such training. The training provides officers with the capability to carry out a wide range of duties, including anti-crime patrols, anti-illegal immigration operations, security operations and crowd management for festive occasions, major international conferences, public gatherings, processions and demonstrations.

During the year, PTU officers played an important role in the successful policing of the Sixth Anniversary of the Establishment of the HKSAR, the Hong Kong International Musical Fireworks Competition in October, and various public processions.

On July 1, a public procession of the largest scale since 1989 was held on Hong Kong Island. Extensive police manpower was deployed and the demonstration was conducted in a peaceful and orderly manner.

The Special Duties Unit (SDU), which is the Police Force's counter-terrorist response unit, is also based at PTU Headquarters and during the year it was deployed on a number of occasions to assist other units in various operations. Although there is no specific intelligence to suggest that Hong Kong is likely to be a target for terrorism, the Police Force has continued to monitor the global situation to maintain its preparedness and response capabilities.

The Police Force's annual counter-terrorism exercise was significantly enhanced in scope and duration to allow participation by a large number of officers. Its final scenario not only involved the majority of force's counter-terrorism units, but also provided an opportunity for other government departments and outside agencies to participate, thereby assisting them in being prepared.

Explosive Ordnance Disposal Bureau

The Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) Bureau is responsible for dealing with all explosive devices and weapons in Hong Kong. This remit includes dealing with Chemical, Biological, Radiological and Nuclear (CBRN) Weapons. The bureau is trained and equipped to deal with such items on dry land and underwater and is called out, on average, over three times per week. Items dealt with range from large World War II aircraft bombs and sea mines to improvised explosive devices.

In addition to EOD operations, the bureau is heavily involved in training. This includes lectures and demonstrations on bomb awareness, action at bomb scenes and

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