HKCAAVQ International Accreditation Panel observes the practical assessment of SCIC trainees

The Hong Kong Council for Accreditation of Academic and Vocational Qualifications (HKCAAVQ) confirmed earlier this month that the Certificate and the top-up Advanced Diploma Programmes in Criminal Investigation for Inspectorate officers are recognised under the Hong Kong Qualifications Framework (QF) being able to meet the accreditation standards at QF Level 5 (the same level of a Bachelor's degree of the academic sector). The Certificate and Advanced Diploma Programmes for Sergeants and Police Constables are recognised at QF Level 4 (the same level of an Associate Degree or a Higher Diploma of the academic sector).

Riding on the success of the vocational accreditation of foundation training programmes in 2014, Police College sought professional accreditation for detective training in 2015. The successful accreditation reaffirms Police College as a leading centre of excellence in police training and development in the international arena. The QF-recognised qualifications also give formal recognition to frontline crime officers and motivate young officers to join the crime stream. Furthermore, the professional qualifications provide the officers with the Credential Advancement Pathway opportunities to achieve higher qualifications.

Upon the successful accreditation of the detective training programmes by the HKCAAVQ, Police College will be able to award the graduates with the vocational qualifications that are recognised under the QF, namely "Professional Certificate in Standard Criminal Investigation (Leadership and Management)" for Inspectorate officers at QF Level 5 and "Professional Certificate in Standard Criminal Investigation (Supervisory Management)" for Sergeants and "Professional Certificate in Standard Criminal Investigation" for Constables at QF Level 4.

Workplace Learning (WPL) has also been introduced for detective training, forming a vital part of Advanced Diploma Programmes. Upon completion of the accredited Certificate Programmes, officers attached to a District Investigation Team (DIT) will proceed to the WPL phase and will be required to complete the competency-based assessment for DIT with a satisfactory performance. Inspectorate officers, Sergeants and Constables who have successfully completed the WPL will be awarded the "Advanced Diploma in Leadership and Management in Policing (Criminal Investigation)" at QF Level 5, "Advanced Diploma in Supervisory Management in Policing (Criminal Investigation)" and "Advanced Diploma in Policing (Criminal Investigation)" at QF Level 4 respectively.

In November 2014, Police College formed a working group to seek professional accreditation of the Standard Criminal Investigation Course (SCIC) with the HKCAAVQ. A review was subsequently made on the SCIC curriculum.

Following the submission of a Statement of Intent in February 2015 and accreditation documents in August to the HKCAAVQ, an International Accreditation Panel, comprising local and overseas experts from the United Kingdom, Canada, Australia and local institutions, visited the Detective Training Centre (DTC) and Yuen Long District (YLDIST) from November 10 to 13 last year. Whilst conducting an assessment of Police College and detective training programmes, the panel members met Police College management, DTC training staff, Examinations and Assessment Centre staff, School of Specialised Learning staff, Crime Unit Commanders in YLDIST as well as the SCIC trainees. The members also attended demonstrations and presentations on SCIC exercises, training software, Interview Development Training, Disaster Victim Identification training and an anti-crime operation in YLDIST.

Overall, the panel members were very impressed with Police College staff members, detective training programmes, DTC's facilities and YLDIST frontline crime officers' standard.