ENG-2004 — Page 407

Public Order 1 345

were also distributed to tourists at visa issuing centres in the Mainland that processed applications for visits to the SAR under the Individual Visit Scheme, and tourist areas. in the SAR.

In 2004, the Police Force, in collaboration with the Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, produced the 3rd Generation Robotcop to foster crime prevention awareness among the younger generation. It was well-received by the public.

Appeals were regularly made through the media to heighten public awareness of prevalent trends in crime. In 2004, 107 media interviews were given to inform the public of current crime trends and relevant preventive measures.

The bureau also deals with the processing of licence applications and regular inspection of over 860 licensed security companies with a view to maintaining the required operational standard and training capability of the industry.

Forensic Firearms Examination

The Forensic Firearms Examination Bureau is responsible for the investigation of firearms-related crimes. The bureau is an American Society of Crime Laboratory Directors (ASCLD) accredited laboratory. The accreditation serves as a professionally recognised indicator of service quality and integrity.

Identification

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

The Scene of Crime Section provides services for the recovery of both fingerprint and DNA evidence from crime scenes on a 24-hour basis.

on a 24-hour basis. Through efficient coordination, Scene of Crime Officers attended 87 per cent of crime scenes within 45 minutes of being called. Since implementation of the provisions of the relevant legislation on DNA evidence, some 1 700 front-line officers, in both the Uniform Branch and Crime Wing, have been trained to take DNA samples (normally buccal swabs) from suspects, volunteers and convicted persons. Samples from the volunteers and convicted persons have generated DNA profiles of their donors, and are held in a database. These are regularly compared to DNA evidence recovered at crime scenes. Currently, the number of DNA profiles stored in the database exceeds 8 800. During the year, DNA evidence has established linkage in over 250 cases.

The bureau is making use of technological advances. Its fingerprint visualisation and search capabilities continue to be at the forefront of technology. The multifarious detection techniques, together with the sophisticated Computer Assisted Fingerprint Identification System, contribute substantially to the bureau's success in achieving a consistently high level of identification. In 2004, the bureau identified 1 793 suspects involved in 1 580 cases. The Photographic Section also assists in gathering valuable evidence from crime scenes. During the year, officers of the section attended 3 979 crime scenes and produced 1 409 298 photographs and slides. Apart from conventional photographic services, the section provides video crime scene