ENG-2009 — Page 379

Public Order 307

Force Search Unit

The EAG was another big challenge to the Force Search Unit following the 2008 Olympic and Paralympic Equestrian Events. The unit was mobilised to conduct defensive searches at some 30 venues across the territory with the aid of sophisticated equipments.

As part of its ongoing effort to improve and professionalise its services, the unit acquired ISO 9001: 2008 Quality Management System certification for its search. training in May.

Police Dogs

There were 106 dogs in the Police Dog Unit at year-end, assisting the Police in detecting and preventing crimes. During the year, Police Handlers, together with their canine partners, arrested a total of 563 criminals. The unit also played an important role in a number of operations, including the screening of the Hong Kong Stadium for the Rugby Sevens; the EAG, and visits of internationally protected persons and leaders of the central government.

Police Licensing Office

The Police Licensing Office is responsible for issuing various types of licences and permits. The office continued to work closely with other government departments in bringing improvements to the Police's licensing regime and in facilitating businesses in their activities. During the year, the office processed 3 650 applications for liquor licences and made recommendations to the Liquor Licensing Board. The office also issued 174 temporary liquor licenses.

The Police Licensing Office is also responsible for processing notifications of public order events. There was an increase in the number of these compared to 2008, 1 467 notifications being processed.

Marine Region

Under the Versatile Maritime Policing Response strategy, the region is now equipped with 67 police launches, 70 smaller vessels and four barge operating platforms. The Command and Control Centre, which co-ordinates response to incidents, was upgraded with modern day and night camera systems linked to the Marine Department's radar.

The region was heavily engaged in combating an influx of non-ethnic Chinese illegal immigrants (NEC Ils) via sea routes, with a 41 per cent increase in arrests. territory-wide compared to 2008. Many of the vessels intercepted were un-seaworthy and lacked basic safety equipment, putting the lives of passengers at

risk.

The region also continued to target syndicated smuggling, seizing contraband worth $144 million ranging from live lobsters to furs and computer hard disks, vessels and vehicles.