Probationary inspector induction course breeds top notch officers

"The 36-week residential induction course is extremely innovative and comprehensive. Probationary inspectors learn about the laws of Hong Kong and partake in intensive physical fitness as well as leadership training," said PTS Course Instructor WCIP Vivian Lo. "In addition to routine courses, we invite professionals to give talks to our students on subjects such as forensic science and to explain how their expertise can be applied to police duties."

Ms Lo pointed out that the diversity in scope of police officers' work makes it necessary for them to keep abreast and in tune with what is going on in society. To this end probationary inspectors are encouraged to get involved work that brings them into contact with such diverse groups as the elderly, children and the handicapped.

Probationary inspectors are also tested at various stages of training to ensure their physical fitness meets the Force's requirements. During a 10-day management course jointly organised by PTS and the Outward Bound School, probationary inspectors learn how to survive when stranded on a remote island with little provisions.

"The induction course is not a static one and we are constantly reviewing its structure to meet the needs of changing circumstances," said Ms Lo. "Nor do we want to make the course unidirectional. We encourage active involvement and feedback from all of our students, who invariable become good friends with one another over the 36-week course. This not only enriches their social life, but also forms a valuable network that benefits them when they go out to work."

The close-knit nature and length of the induction course also fosters a sense of respect and trust between students and instructors who are also always willing to offer advice to their present and former students after they pass-out and assume their duties as police officers.

Reflecting on her years as a PTS instructor. Ms Lo said she was most pleased to see those probationary inspectors who were initially not very promising but who passed-out with flying colours as a result of their own hard work and the guidance offered by their instructors.

"The unhappy moments are when probationary inspectors with great potential drop out of the course because of a lack of stamina," she added. "However, the situation is quite satisfactory taking into account the 80 to 90 per cent course graduation rate."

Life in PTS for a PI

"I was braced for the pressure at PTS when I decided to join the Force. As it turned out ¡Ð the pressure was much more than I'd expected, "said the 23-year-old PI.

"I couldn't have made it without the guidance and support from my Course Instructor (CI)," she said.

According to Ms Ng, her CI was more than a teacher in subjects relating to police work. She was also her mentor. "Having been together for nearly nine months, my CI has gotten to know me better than my parents, "she said.

"Having gone part way through the PI induction course, I realise that a real leader must be more than a hard worker. He or she must lead by example and make others follow as a group, "added the young woman police officer.

"In addition, a police officer needs to broaden his or her perspective and foresight in order to know how to adopt the best approach to changing circumstances. Indeed, the induction course is teaching me as much about life skills as police skills. I now understand what discipline is ¡Ð and that what I do very often affects other people. Consequently I've become much more considerate, which surprised my parents when I was home for holidays."

On the social front, she said: "Some think life in PTS is all study and training. But we have an unbelievably enriched life. There is a very high sense of camaraderie between fellow recruits and a multitude of events and gatherings in which to participate. There's no doubt that we all have a very strong sense of belonging."

Ms Ng also makes the point that her initial sense of being a "female police officer" has been replaced by that of simply being a "police officer".

"Women police officers are paid the same as their male counterparts and none of us ask for, or expect, special treatment when it comes to training or work. In fact, performing as well as the men is a boost to one's self-confidence ¡Ð which was the case when (through hard work and training as my fingers were initially too weak) I finally managed to competently fire a hand gun."

Concluded Ms Ng: "Although there are still some months to go before passing-out, I strongly believe that the induction course is a turning point in my life ¡Ð and that it will enable me to develop my full potential as a good police officer."