ENG-2007 — Page 377

Public Order | 321

Immigration Department in developing and testing the new HKSAR Electronic passport.

The Criminalistics and Quality Management Group comprises seven sections covering six major areas of work. The two Biochemical Sciences Sections (BSSs) handle forensic biological samples and conduct DNA analysis of exhibits seized from crime scenes. The BSSS receive regularly DNA profiles of convicted offenders, suspects and volunteers from the DNA Database Section for comparison with outstanding DNA profiles of crime scene exhibits of unsolved cases. Comparisons are also made among outstanding DNA profiles of exhibits from different unsolved cases for possible connection. In 2007, there were 146 and 19 pairs of matches in the two types of comparisons respectively, providing the Police with important investigative leads.

The Parentage Testing Section deals mainly with cases concerning right of abode applications referred to it by the Immigration Department, for which genetic tests are required. The matched percentage rate was about 95 per cent of all cases submitted.

The Chemical Sciences Section works mainly on cases requiring chemical analysis of trace evidence and investigation of suspicious fire cases. The Physical Sciences Section plays an important role in traffic accident reconstruction and works on cases. involving physical examination of toolmarks and shoeprints. Apart from conducting crime scene investigation, the Scene of Crime and Quality Management Section maintains and develops the Forensic Science Division's quality system in accordance with the prescribed quality requirements.

Immigration Department

Immigration Control

The Immigration Department plays an important role in maintaining law and order by controlling entry into Hong Kong. Through close checks at control points and the vetting of entry applications, undesirable persons including international criminals and terrorists are detected and denied entry. In 2007, some 26 197 such people and 13 311 others not in possession of proper documents were refused permission to enter Hong Kong, while 2 663 applications to enter the city were rejected.

Detection of Forged Travel Documents

Strict measures are taken to guard against the use of forged travel documents. Officers detected 1 598 forged travel documents during the year, compared with 2 387 in 2006. Frequent contact with local, Mainland and overseas law enforcement agencies and consulates was maintained to exchange information and intelligence on such documents. Special operations were carried out against forgery syndicates.

Interception of Target/Wanted Persons

In 2007, a total of 300 189 target/wanted persons were intercepted at immigration control points and other offices. They were suspected of being