The Security Bureau () is a body of the
Government of Hong Kong
The Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, commonly known as the Hong Kong Government or HKSAR Government, refers to the executive authorities of Hong Kong SAR. It was formed on 1 July 1997 in accordance with the Sino- ...
responsible for policies of the maintenance of law and order, exercising immigration and customs control, rehabilitating offenders and drug abusers, and providing emergency fire and rescue services.
The bureau is headed by the
Secretary for Security.
History
In 1973 it was known as the Defence Branch (). Before 1997, it was named the Security Branch ().
In January 2021, a proposal from the government was announced, where information of airline passengers would be shared with the
Immigration Department and passengers could potentially be banned from flying.
In response to criticism that it could lead to preventing Hong Kong citizens from leaving the city, the Security Bureau claimed that they would not be affected, and that this would only be for "passenger information on flights heading to Hong Kong, rather than departing flights. The right of Hong Kong residents to enter or leave Hong Kong is not affected."
In February 2021, after reports that the Security Bureau worked with the
Correctional Services Department to force prisoners with dual passports to declare a sole nationality, the Security Bureau cited mainland China's nationality laws to explain why consular visits to those prisoners with dual passports might be rejected.
A spokesman for the British consulate said they were now "seeking answers from the Hong Kong authorities following the suggestion that they may withdraw our consular access to dual national prisoners and prevent us providing the support we have given since 1997."
In 2022, the Narcotics Division of the Security Bureau said it had plans to "table the relevant legislation" to outlaw
CBD under the Dangerous Drugs Ordinance.
The Narcotics Division said that even if
THC
Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) is the principal psychoactive constituent of cannabis and one of at least 113 total cannabinoids identified on the plant. Although the chemical formula for THC (C21H30O2) describes multiple isomers, the term ''THC' ...
levels were undetectable by lab tests, it would still "likely exist" and warrant a ban.
Subordinate entities
The following public entities are controlled by the bureau:
*
Hong Kong Police Force
The Hong Kong Police Force (HKPF) is the primary law enforcement, investigative agency, and largest disciplined service under the Security Bureau of Hong Kong. The Royal Hong Kong Police Force (RHKPF) reverted to its former name after the t ...
*
Hong Kong Fire Services Department
*
Correctional Services Department
*
Customs and Excise Department
*
Immigration Department
*
Government Flying Service
*
Civil Aid Service
*
Auxiliary Medical Services
Auxiliary Medical Service (AMS) is a voluntary medical and health services provider in Hong Kong. Its mission is to supply effectively and efficiently regular services to maintain the health and well-being of people in Hong Kong.
History
The ...
*
Narcotics Division
The term narcotic (, from ancient Greek ναρκῶ ''narkō'', "to make numb") originally referred medically to any psychoactive compound with numbing or paralyzing properties. In the United States, it has since become associated with opiates ...
See also
*
Hong Kong Disciplined Services
Subjected to legal regulations, the Hong Kong Disciplined Services are made up of the following:-
The Independent Commission Against Corruption (ICAC) reports directly to the Chief Executive. Although they are not typically uniformed, they ar ...
*
Outbound Travel Alert System
Outbound Travel Alert System (OTA System) is a travel advice system for residents of Hong Kong who are travelling overseas. Based on risk assessments by the Security Bureau of the Hong Kong Government, it advises travellers from Hong Kong of the ...
References
External links
Official site
Hong Kong government policy bureaux
Law enforcement in Hong Kong
{{HongKong-gov-stub