ENG-2006 — Page 379

Public Order | 311

Financial Investigation

Financial investigation is recognised globally as essential to the fight against. organised crime and terrorist financing.

During the year, the Police Force participated in a number of local and international initiatives to combat money laundering and terrorist financing. In September, the Force co-organised a series of anti-money laundering seminars for officers from financial institutions such as banks, securities, insurance and remittance firms, and money lenders. Representatives from non-financial businesses and professions such as real estate agents, precious metals and gem dealers, and corporate formation agents were also invited to the seminars to increase their awareness of money laundering.

Illegal Immigration

During the year, 3 173 illegal immigrants from the Mainland were arrested by the Police, an average of nine per day, representing an increase of 45 per cent compared to 2 191 in 2005. The increase in arrests is attributed to the successful joint operations carried out by the Police Force, Immigration Department and their Mainland counterparts. Close liaison in the form of regular meetings and exchange of intelligence was maintained with the Guangdong Border Defence Bureau.

Crime Prevention

The Crime Prevention Bureau continually urges members of the community to do more to protect themselves and their property.

In 2006, the bureau gave talks on crime prevention to other government departments and various sectors of the business community. Seminars on topics such as workplace violence and personal safety were also conducted. In addition, the bureau ran several training courses for officers in other police formations engaged in crime prevention work.

On the publicity front, several publicity campaigns targeting prevalent crimes. such as telephone and street deceptions were carried out. In addition, a new display room was set up at Police Headquarters in Wan Chai to show visitors the kind of security equipment currently available in the market, and how such equipment could improve the security of their homes and other premises.

Forensic Support

The Identification Bureau plays a significant role in supporting crime. investigations and prosecutions by providing a professional fingerprint and photographic service and by collecting DNA evidence from crime scenes. In 2006, the bureau compiled the criminal history of 25 852 individuals which enabled it to link. 1 304 people to 1 234 cases.

Preparing for the replacement of the

the Computer Assisted Fingerprint Identification System was one of the bureau's major tasks this year. The system is expected to be in place by the end of December 2007.