THE designer of the winning anti-gambling poster in the Force's recent competition, PC Choi Yuk-wah, is not only very pleased with winning the competition, but also gratified with the positive and dramatic effect that his entry has had on those who have seen it.

PC Choi suggests that those with a gambling problem seek help. "One way is to become more involved in recreational activities or to take up such worthwhile hobbies as photography or calligraphy," he said. "Maybe even enter a poster competition."

Following are some comments, reactions and stories PC Choi has heard since creating the poster.

One Woman Police Constable recalled: "When I saw the Force competition's winning anti-gambling poster, in particular the word 'Pig', I had mixed feelings. I wanted to give this poster to my younger brother who, due to his gambling debts, forced my parents, myself and other members of our family to contribute all our savings to help him repay his gambling debts - and get the very aggressive people from the finance company who loaned him money off our backs."

Station Sergeant Wong Kam-shing, TKO DIV, said: "I've always been interested in discussing the problems arising from gambling debts for police officers with my colleagues on training days, yet didn't know to open the discussion. Thanks to the anti-gambling poster is its simple design and direct messages. She said: "Gambling cannot be eradicated instantly. By taking part in such healthy activities as sports, supervisory officers can lead by example in helping to prevent gambling from flourishing in the Force."

Said a police constable serving in NTS: "When I joined the Force, my savings amounted to over $10,000. Now I am penniless and owe huge debts to several financial institutions. My only choice may be to apply for early retirement and settle the debts with my gratuity. In hindsight I now realise that I was not alert to the destructive nature of gambling and eventually became its slave. The slogan of the winning anti-gambling poster: 'Wake Up! Keep away from gambling', should be a motto for all of us. Were I to design such a poster, my slogan would be:' If I'd never gambled, life would have been trouble-free'."

The message is clear: Don't gamble!

POLICE OFFICERS' CLUB GO SURFIN' IN THE BEAT CAFE Attention all internet surfers! The Beat Cafe now has its own internet terminal. There is no charge for usage, but members must purchase at least one beverage(coffee, soft drink, fruit juice, etc) in the cafe before they can log on. Time on line depends on demand, usually 30 minutes if others are waiting, which can be checked from the waiting list booklet next to the terminal. Children's Easter Party Sunday 12 April. $85 per child. Includes Easter egg hunt, bilingual comedy show, jumpy castle and, of course, an Easter tea party.

THE WELFARE BARGAIN CO-ORDINATING UNIT has successfully negotiated and made formal an agreement with Fortress, one of the biggest dealers of electrical and electronic appliances in the territory, to include all their products - both agency and non-agency - for sale to members of the Force under our Bulk Purchase Scheme.
With effect from 11 Mar 98, Force members can purchase appliances of any brand from any of the Fortress 50 retail shops with an interest free loan from the Police Welfare Fund.
Application procedures for the welfare loan remain unchanged. For enquiries about this new offer phone: 2804-1125 or 2804-1134.
For product specifications call the Fortress Hotline: 2555-5788

THIS spring many Hong Kong Police officers will again take part in the Charity Walk from Xian to Chengdu in China (beginning on April) to raise money for mainland school children through the Friends of Hope Education Fund.
Force members wishing to sponsor a walker or contribute with a donation to this worthwhile cause can make their cheques payable to the following Hong Kong Bank account name and number:

Leave Homes

FORCE holiday bungalow accommodation is available from April 14 - May 4, 1998 for Gazetted and Inspectorate officers and their civilian counterparts as follows:

Interested colleagues should obtain a letter of introduction from the Personnel Services Branch Holiday Facilities Unit and contact the hotels directly for reservations.