A CENTRAL Fund for voluntary contributions to spouses/dependents of deceased junior police officers has been in existence since July 1974. Members of the Fund can enjoy the benefit of a group life insurance by contributing only 0.05 per cent of their starting point salary per month. The scheme is very popular among junior police officers and the participation rate has reached 60 percent.

Due to the attractiveness of this scheme, enquiries from officers of ranks and grades other than junior police officers have been received from time to time regarding the possibility of enrolling in the Fund. However, by virtue of their ranks and grades, they are unable to join. To cope with the growing needs, a similar Central Fund which is modelled on the existing scheme for junior police officers is proposed to be set up for Inspectorate and above and civilian grade officers.

Under the proposed scheme, participants will enjoy a coverage of HK$500,000 for death and HK$250,000-$500,000 for accidental dismemberment/disability. Officers of the Inspectorate rank and above and civilian grade officers of equivalent rank are only required to contribute about 0.15 per cent of the salary of MPS Pt.22 (i.e. $37.28). For civilian grade officers equivalent to the ranks of junior police officers, the monthly contribution is only 0.35 per cent of the salary of MPS Pt.1 (i.e. $26.70). The monthly contributions will be directly deducted from the participants' payroll. To ensure that the scheme is operationally viable, an entrance flat fee of $290, will be charged to those who wish to join the scheme.

A Management Committee chaired by CSP PS with representatives from the four Staff Associations, viz, SPA, LIA, EIA and PCSC will be set up for the overall management of the proposed Fund. Those interested in participating in the scheme may call Tang Hon-wing, CIP SR : 2866-7427; or Miss Yolanda Ong, EO PS 1 at: 2804-1107.