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Public Order

and collecting DNA evidence from crime scenes. In 2013, it linked 1,597 people to 1,422 criminal

cases.

Liaison

As the designated contact point with LEAs in the Mainland, Taiwan, Macao and overseas countries, the Liaison Bureau (LB) communicates with their liaison officers stationed in Hong Kong for all police-related matters. In addition, the LB operates as a sub-bureau of the INTERPOL National Central Bureau China in dealing with all Hong Kong's INTERPOL-related matters.

To strengthen international law enforcement co-operation to combat cross-boundary crime, the police signed a number of co-operation agreements with overseas strategic partners. Following the hot-air balloon accident in Luxor, Egypt, in which nine Hong Kong residents lost their lives in February, the LB collaborated with the Egyptian authorities on investigation and follow-up action.

Counter Terrorism

The police adopt a holistic counter terrorism strategy combining prevention, preparedness, response and recovery. To realise the strategy, the police maintained a high degree of vigilance and a state of operational readiness commensurate with the prevailing threat level. The police maintained close liaison with other government departments and those responsible for critical infrastructure on their security and counter terrorism measures. The police also conducted joint exercises to hone counter terrorism contingency plans and strengthen communication and co- ordination.

Traffic

In 2013, there were 16,089 traffic accidents involving casualties including 130 deaths, representing a 1.2 per cent increase and 8.3 per cent increase respectively compared with 2012. Annual enforcement figures increased by 6.9 per cent with 1,573,247 offences detected. This year also saw the installation of evidential breath test machines in all police stations to combat drink-driving and improved laser systems to tackle speed enforcement.

Public Relations

The Police Public Relations Branch (PPRB) continued to enlist public support in maintaining law and order by working in partnership with the media and the community. Information about police activities was disseminated to local and overseas media round-the-clock. The first phase of an interactive electronic platform for disseminating information on unforeseen incidents to the media was expected to commence service in the financial year 2013-14. The PPRB also assisted the Fight Crime Committee in planning and implementing its publicity campaigns.

The PPRB's Police Magazine, Police Report and Police Bulletin provided information on crime trends and crime prevention measures. Further to the 2012 launch of the 'Hong Kong Police Mobile Application, the police launched the 'Hong Kong Police YouTube channel'in March 2013 to enable members of the public to understand more about policing activities, crime prevention messages, etc. The PPRB also assisted local and overseas TV broadcasters and film-

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