Modern policing faces from time to time the challenges of resolving friction and conflicts arising from societal changes and new developments. The growing fragmentation of communities is one of the biggest challenges for the police around the world.

In this light, the 12th Pearls in Policing Conference explored the topic of "Policing Fractured Communities" in Medellin, Colombia, from June 23 to 26. Chief Superintendent of Police Public Relations Branch (PPRB) Tse Chun-chung, representing the Hong Kong Police Force (HKPF), joined 19 law enforcement leaders and academics from 13 countries to identify and analyse the challenges faced by the police in different regions, exchange local insights, and develop solutions to emerging issues and challenges confronting the police in the future.

As one of the solid members of the International Pearl Fishers Action Learning Group (IALG) for the Pearls in Policing Conference this year, Mr Tse explained to other IALG members that communication was a key driver for building bridges with and within the communities. Sharing his practical experience of using social media to build trust in fractured communities, Mr Tse talked about the HKPF's "Policing" and "Connecting" strategies, respectively, to address police-related issues and emergencies as well as to promote a caring image of the HKPF. He also gave examples of a charity campaign, One-arm Push-up Challenge, and extensive collaborations with non-governmental organisations and private businesses, including Facebook and Google. The vision of PPRB, "To reach the unreached", was found particularly inspiring by many Pearls participants and it was later included in the highlights of the event.

Meanwhile, Director of Management Services Kwok Yam-shu flew to Colombia to attend a high-level meeting of the Pearls, at which the commissioners and senior officials from different law enforcement agents gave presentations and conducted in-depth discussions on policing strategies and challenges.

The Conference ended on a high note with five strategies being put forward: 1) to understand the complexity of policing issues and build more bridges; 2) to build trust through community partnerships; 3) to strengthen partnerships at the international, national and local levels; 4) to engage with social media; and 5) to ensure respect for diversity in the community and that police work reflects the community in which it serves.

The 12th Pearls in Policing journey started in November 2017 in Brussels, where police leaders from different countries first met and started to expand their networks and exchange knowledge. The second stage of the journey began in New York City, featuring a packed programme of good speakers. The Conference concluded in Colombia, offering the Pearls participants a flight experience in the Blackhawks helicopter, and an up-close look at the histories and operations of the Belén Police Station in Medellin as well as the Memory House Museum.

Pearls in Policing is a global think tank where top executives in law enforcement meet to discuss the strategic and personal challenges of their organisations. The Annual Conference provides the participating law enforcement leaders with the opportunity to focus on the future of their profession, and to gain wisdom through IALG's sharing, intensive debate, working group's input and peer-to-peer consultation.