The Senior Police Call (SPC) Scheme officially came into being on February 12 with a Launching Ceremony cum Elderly Mini Fun Day held at the Police Sports and Recreation Club.

 

Commissioner Tsang Wai-hung, Deputy Commissioner (Management) Ma Wai-luk and Director of Management Services Lau Yip-shing officiated at the ceremony before about 500 elders from Police Districts and many guests.

 

Speaking at the ceremony, Mr Tsang pointed out that the Junior Police Call (JPC) was established at the Force's 130th Anniversary.  After 40 years, at the Force's 170th Anniversary, the SPC would be fully implemented forcewide, signifying a new chapter opened in Police history.  He emphasised that the Police-community partnership was an integral part of Police work, and SPC was a good example.

 

The scheme also aims at enhancing communication with the elderly with proactive engagement; promoting crime prevention by forging fight crime partnership; enhancing protection for them by reducing their risk of falling preys to crime; raising their road safety awareness; and providing opportunities for them to participate in meaningful activities and serve the community.

 

Since the scheme was soft-launched in December 2012, the Force had organised a series of major events, including a Chinese Naming and Logo Design Competition of the SPC between March and June last year, and promotion of a  "Road Safety Month" for elders in different Police Districts between  September and October the same year. So far, more than 2,300 elders have joined the SPC Scheme.

 

After his speech, Mr Tsang appointed the first term of SPC Central Advisory Board, which provides professional advice on the long-term development of the scheme. The board comprises Acting Assistant Commissioner Chung Siu-yeung as Chairman and academics, professionals, Road Safety Council members, District Fight Crime Committee members and community leaders as members.

 

Before the launching ceremony, SPC members had a lot of fun in taking part in games booth activities on fighting crime and road safety. Pitching in for the ceremony, the elders from Police Regions treated their peers and the guests to talent shows on crime prevention and road safety, while the Police Band and Police Dog Unit also added colour to the event with live shows.

 

Following the performances, Mr Ma and Mr Lau presented appreciation certificates to the SPC talent show performers and members of the working group of the ceremony respectively for their contributions to the event.