The Crime Officer Mentorship Programme presentation ceremony was held on July 9, in which 140 Mentors In-charge and Mentors were commended for their remarkable performances and contributions during Wave I of the programme. The ceremony marked not only the successful conclusion of the Wave I phase, but also the impetus of the Wave II, which is at full swing.

Also present in the ceremony were 23 mentees, who are fresh from Police College and who aspire to becoming detectives. A total of 200 mentees have been recruited for Wave II of the programme.

Assistant Commissioner (Crime) John Ribeiro pointed out that the programme was established on a recommendation made by the Force Study Team on Recruitment and Retention of Crime Officers at District Level to attract young officers with potential to join the crime stream at an early stage of their career. He was delighted that over the years the programme had boosted the manpower development of the crime stream. He noted that it is a privilege for mentees to grow under the guidance of experienced detectives, adding that this would lay a good foundation for mentees' careers and equip them for the challenges of crime duties.

Speaking at the presentation ceremony, Chief Superintendent Ho Yuen-ha from Crime Wing thanked the Management Team, Mentors In-charge and Mentors for shouldering the extra duty of grooming new blood for crime work and perpetuating the fine legacy and professionalism of crime investigation. She shared her job satisfaction of being a crime buster and encouraged the mentees to treasure the opportunity of learning from their Mentors, who are experienced crime officers with different police backgrounds.

Superintendent (SP) Yau Nai-keung from Organized Crime and Triad Bureau has succeeded retired SP Lo Ting-hei of Crime Wing as Deputy Head Mentor. Speaking in the ceremony, SP Yau stressed that the programme benefited both Mentors and mentees in terms of knowledge and experiences sharing between uniform branch and crime stream officers.

Programme develops into big family

The Crime Officer Mentorship Programme has developed into a big family with over 600 members. In an interview with OffBeat, the members talked about the programme, their ambitions for crime work and the bonding between Mentors and mentees.

Chief Inspector Tang Yick-kay from Crime Hong Kong Island, who is a Mentor In-charge, is a key coordinator for various activities. He said, "The programme not only beefs up mentees' knowledge of investigation through experience sharing sessions and workshops, but also develops their personal qualities. All these would help the mentees lay a solid foundation for taking on the challenges of their daily jobs and investigation-related jobs."

Sergeant Chan Yim-yee from Family Conflict and Sexual Violence Policy Unit, who is a member of the Management Team, said, "We have offered workshops on a variety of topics, including statement-taking, exhibit handling, and handling of informers, which attracted good attendance. Many Mentors accompanied their mentees to the workshops and lent a hand for the workshops."

Police Constable (PC) Lai Pui-yan from a District Investigation Team in Kwun Tong District graduated from the Standard Criminal Investigation Course in January this year with the highest academic achievement. Speaking of the care and support of her Mentor, she said, "While working in District Special Duty Squad, as I had little experience, I occasionally came across problems. Therefore, I often asked my Mentor for advice. I am grateful to my Mentor for her patience and guidance."

PC Lai's Mentor, Sergeant Cheng Oi-ha from the Special Duty Squad of Mong Kok District, commented, "Many officers are interested in and capable of performing crime-related duties. It is essential to give them proper guidance and motivation at the early stage of their careers. The programme is a good platform for young officers to get a better picture of what our job is all about."

A new mentee, PC Yuen Ho-yin from the Patrol Sub-Unit of Aberdeen Division, said, "What has motivated me to become a crime officer is the job satisfaction of cracking a crime case and bringing the criminal to justice. Under my Mentor's guidance, I have learned a lot about crime duties and the necessary qualities of a professional detective." His Mentor, Sergeant Li Yik-chung from the Regional Anti-triad Unit of Hong Kong Island, said, "We are a role-model for young officers. Apart from imparting investigation knowledge, we should demonstrate the proper attitude towards, and professional sensitivity of a crime officer."

The Wave II of the programme will see more initiatives to be taken to groom new blood for the crime stream.