ENG-2005 — Page 383

Public Order | 329

Police Licensing Office

The Police Licensing Office is responsible for issuing various types of licences and permits, as well as managing the Societies Registry. It monitors the enforcement of conditions under which such licences or permits are issued and compliance with related laws. It also has an advisory responsibility as well as a monitoring role for a number of licences issued by other government departments. The re-examination of 42 previously approved modified firearms was satisfactorily completed during the year to better ensure the safety of both members of the public and film industry

workers.

In October, police officers stopped accompanying civilian hunting teams during wild pig hunts. Since the arrangement ended, the Force has issued arms licences for wild pig hunting to civilian hunters who are holders of valid special permits issued by Director of Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation. The control and safe use of firearms is maintained through the imposition of additional conditions on such licences, 18 of which had been issued by year-end.

At the end of the year, there were 192 licensed massage establishments, 184 licensed pawnbrokers, and 5 500 liquor-licensed premises and 266 863 valid security. personnel permits holders in Hong Kong.

Marine Region

In order to meet the challenges posed by faster coastal craft and comply with the International Ship and Port Facility Security Code, Marine Region embarked on a new operating scheme, the Versatile Maritime Policing Response (VMPR), to police the waters of Hong Kong for the next 10 to 15 years. This new strategy will integrate technologically advanced coastal surveillance systems with an enhanced radar system to detect and identify targets, and a new fleet of high-performance vessels to respond to suspicious activities and other policing commitments. Funding for the project was approved in June and the aim is to introduce the new system between 2008 and 2010. The full implementation of VMPR will significantly improve maritime police services at a substantially reduced cost.

In December, Marine Region worked closely with other land formations to successfully police Victoria Harbour and the adjacent waterfronts of the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre where World Trade Organisation Hong Kong Ministerial Conference was held.

Public Relations

The Police Public Relations Branch plays a vital role in informing the public about the work of the Police in order to project a positive image of the Force and enlisting public support in the maintenance of law and order via a proactive community relations programme.

Police Community Relations Officers attached to different districts work closely with representatives from other government departments and organisations to keep the public well informed of police policies and operational priorities.