ENG-2018 — Page 329

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Public Order

The Licensing and Certification Command regulates the manufacture, storage, conveyance and use of dangerous goods and takes enforcement action against related offences. In 2018, it issued or renewed 4,492 storage licences for dangerous goods or timber, and 2,081 dangerous goods vehicle licences. The command also works with other law enforcement agencies to combat illicit fuelling. During the year, the Anti-illicit Fuelling Activities Task Force carried out 941 inspections and 96 surprise inspections, handled 142 complaints, seized over 240,000 litres of illicit fuel and instituted prosecution in 132 cases.

The command plays an important role in ensuring building fire safety. It monitors the status of FSI in buildings, handles complaints and oversees the professional standards of registered FSI contractors. In 2018, the command conducted 48,778 compliance inspections on FSI in new buildings and developments. It held another 83,977 inspections on existing FSI, issued 3,497 fire hazard abatement notices against irregularities found and took legal action against 81 owners. of defective FSI and eight FSI contractors.

In addition, the command formulates and enforces fire safety policies for licensed premises and takes enforcement action against fire hazards. It advises licensing authorities on fire protection. and carries out fire safety compliance certification relating to the licensing and registration of food premises, places of public entertainment, places of public amusement, converted schools, child care centres, massage establishments, private columbaria, electronic waste disposal facilities and drug treatment and rehabilitation centres. In 2018, it carried out 43,498 inspections of such premises and issued 1,389 fire hazard abatement notices.

Public Liaison

A public liaison group comprising 30 members of the public from different walks of life is appointed annually to encourage public participation in monitoring and improving the delivery of 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 224 disciplined and 60 civilian members. In 2018, members flew a total of 7,234 hours, helped in 442 search and rescue operations and took 1,673 people to hospital by helicopter. By the end of 2019, it will be operating three fixed-wing aircraft and nine helicopters for operation and flight training.

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 54,195 people in 2018.

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