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Public Order

The Forensic Firearms Examination Bureau provides professional forensic services in relation to firearms evidence in Hong Kong and maintains close ties with its counterparts in the Mainland and Macao through regular meetings and liaison visits.

Liaison

The Liaison Bureau (LB) co-ordinates with law enforcement agencies outside Hong Kong and with their liaison officers stationed locally for all police-related matters. It represents the Mainland in dealing with all INTERPOL-related matters of Hong Kong.

To combat cross-boundary crime, the police engaged its strategic partners worldwide in 2012 to enhance law enforcement co-operation and capacity building. In February, the police hosted the 20th Bilateral Meeting with the Mainland Public Security Authorities in Hong Kong and in June, police representatives attended the 18th Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Tripartite Heads of Criminal Investigation Department Meeting in Macao to strengthen co-operation in the fight against cross-boundary crime at an operational level.

Police Force Search Unit

The Force Search Unit is responsible for developing and maintaining the police's professional search capability. In 2012, the unit conducted defensive search and security screening operations relating to the 15th anniversary of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR)'s establishment and President Hu Jintao's visit.

Police Dog Unit

The 110 dogs in the Police Dog Unit assist the police in detecting and preventing crime and in 2012 police dog handlers, together with their canine partners, arrested 911 criminals.

Custody management and Detention

The police respect people's human rights, including those in police custody. Following a full review of custodial management and detention, improvement works for all 33 police detention facilities have been completed to make them safer and more hygienic for both detainees and police staff.

Police Licensing Office

During 2012, the Police Licensing Office processed 62,081 security personnel permit applications, 99 massage establishment licence applications, 218 pawnbroker licence applications and 4,184 liquor licence applications.

Marine Region

The Marine Region commenced a major review of its existing fleet to enhance the policing of Hong Kong waters in a cost effective manner. In 2012, 763 illegal immigrants were arrested and 143 persons rescued in Hong Kong waters by the fleet. In addition, 27 high-power speedboats used by smugglers were confiscated and contraband worth $65.8 million was seized.

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