The Force Committee on Complaints Prevention (FCCP) launched a complaints prevention project called "Project Lighthouse" last month with a view to boosting the professionalism of frontline officers in handling confrontational situations.

 

The first part of the project pays recognition to those officers who have professionally dealt with very hostile members of the public during their enforcement actions, which were captured by video and uploaded on "YouTube". Following a stringent vetting of the 90 videos that had been posted on "YouTube", Complaints Against Police Office (CAPO) identified 26 officers in nine videos.

 

On September 11, Chief Superintendent Complaints and Internal Investigations Branch (CSP C&IIB), Lam Man-sai, presented letters of appreciation and commendations to the officers for their outstanding efforts, tact and tenacity in dealing with confrontational situations.

 

During the presentation ceremony, the officers were invited to share with other award winners and CAPO officers the experiences and best practices they learned from the confrontational incidents they had handled.

 

PC Fong Kei-man of Yuen Long Division said: "On that particular occasion, the driver kept swearing at me and challenging my authority for giving him a penalty ticket.  I dealt with him with tact and empathy and explained the details of his traffic violations and the reasons for my action. Though I had many sleepless nights over the "YouTube" footage, I was reassured by my supervisory officers and I am delighted at getting a recognition by CAPO."

 

Inspector Chau Cheung-man, a former Task Force Sub-unit Officer-in-Charge of Wan Chai Division, speaking of a public event captured on a video, commented: "During that particular event, some protestors ignored officers' warning in an abusive manner. Nevertheless, we were not affected at all and carried out our duties professionally and acted in accordance with the law. As I was just carrying out a routine duty, I never expected to be complimented by C&IIB.  I am grateful to the Force management for its encouragement and support."

 

PC Lam Yung-nam, formerly from Emergency Unit New Territories South, referring to a case of late-night violence in Kwai Chung, said: "We are delighted to receive the compliment as it is a recognition from the Force Management of our day-to-day work. I hope frontline officers would control their emotions and act professionally in handling confrontational situations."

 

Finally, SGT Wong Hoi-wai, formerly from Enforcement and Control Hong Kong Island while handling a traffic incident, said: "In my past 24 years of service in the Force, I worked in traffic formations for at least ten years. Very often, I came across drivers or passengers, who reacted impolitely, particularly during my enforcement actions. Past experience has inspired me that I should always get prepared and know the law and procedures so as to face the challenges ahead."

 

 

After the presentation ceremony, the Force-wide competition for the best practices in handling confrontational situations was launched. Five videos with mock incidents have been produced, each featuring a theme such as Public Event, Late Night Violence, Traffic Matters, Stop/Search & Stop/Questions and Land Disputes.

 

The winning entries will be produced as Training Day material.  For details of the competition, refer to "What's News" on POINT and SQW Website.

 

The deadline for the competition is November 30.  An Adjudicating Panel comprising representatives of the Independent Police Complaints Council, Psychological Services Group, staff associations, Police College, Crime Wing Headquarters and Police Tactical Unit Headquarters will screen and shortlist entries on December 11.  Winners will be selected according to their professionalism, proficiency in law and police procedures in handling given scenarios.  The presentation ceremony has been scheduled for March 7 next year.