The Force Working Group on Mentor PC Review (FWG) and the New Territories North Pilot Scheme (Project Rookie) were established in the third quarter of this year to enhance on-the-job training for new Police Constables (PCs), with New Territories North (NTN) Region as the pilot. The FWG comprised representatives from the Police College, the Personnel Wing as well as NTN Regional and Divisional supervisors.

Initial research found that one of the key factors of the project would be the selection of mentors - passionate and motivated officers who are keen to coach recruits on the beat. Hence, the project appointed 37 mentors who were PCs identified by the Assistant Commanders (Operations) of Lok Ma Chau Division, Sheung Shui Division, Tuen Mun Division and Yuen Long Division for their dedication and leadership potential. The Police College has arranged a new tailor-made training programme for mentors. After their mentoring of two batches of new PCs in July and September, they will provide feedback on the project to the Force Management.

In addition, the Learning Log has been streamlined and the supervisory officers need to show more concern to frontline officers so as to respond more effectively to their development needs. In this connection, the Project Rookie has put emphasis on the involvement of frontline and regional supervisors in the planning and management of human resources. Supervisors and administrators at all levels in NTN Region will be consulted on the effectiveness of the project.

Meanwhile, two sub-working groups have been formed and they will analyse the findings and then report to the FWG. The FWG will conduct a comprehensive review of the project by the end of this year with a view to coming up with innovative and practical recommendations on the coaching of new PCs in future.