ENG-2017 — Page 329

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Public Order

hazard abatement notices against irregularities found and took legal action against 61 owners of defective FSI and eight FSI contractors.

The command formulates and enforces fire safety policies for licensed premises and takes enforcement action against fire hazards. It advises the relevant licensing authorities on fire protection and carries out compliance certification relating to the licensing and registration of various types of premises including food premises, places of public entertainment, converted schools, child care centres, massage establishments, and drug treatment and rehabilitation centres. In 2017, it carried out 39,789 inspections of such premises and issued 1,390 fire hazard abatement notices.

Public Liaison

A public liaison group comprising 30 members of the public from different walks of life are appointed annually to encourage public participation in monitoring and improving the delivery of emergency fire and ambulance services.

Government Flying Service

The Government Flying Service provides a wide range of flying services, including round-the- clock search and rescue coverage, casualty and medical evacuation, firefighting and support for other government departments.

It has a staff of 212 disciplined and 58 civilian members, and a fleet of four fixed-wing aircraft and seven helicopters in service. In 2017, members flew a total of 7,534 hours, helped in 548 search and rescue operations and took 1,836 people to hospital by helicopter.

Immigration Department

Immigration Control

The Immigration Department plays an important role in maintaining law and order by controlling entry into Hong Kong. Immigration officers conduct checks at control points and vet entry applications to detect undesirable people, including international criminals and dubious visitors. The territory refused the entry of 49,033 people in 2017.

Detection of Forged Travel Documents

The department takes strict measures to guard against the use of forged travel documents and carries out special operations against forgery syndicates. In 2017, it discovered 515 forged travel documents. The department maintains close contact and exchanges information on such documents with local, Mainland and overseas law enforcement agencies and consulates.

Interception of Targeted or Wanted Persons

In 2017, officers intercepted at immigration control points 306,693 targeted or wanted persons in connection with offences or court orders ranging from failure to settle outstanding fines to serious crimes.

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