"Training is nothing new to police officers. But in the past there was no standardisation in training programmes between different formations. This prompted us to devise a specific curriculum and schedule which all formations can follow," said CSP, Training Wing, Ian Tyzzer.

Newly formatted training days, lasting a full working day, are now being organised every six to eight weeks at the discretion of formation commanders, with Training and Staff Relations Officers (TSROs) responsible for conducting them.

A typical training day now consists of three sections lasting seven hours. The first two-hour session entails training, briefing and discussions on topics with Force-wide implications as determined by D OPS. The second three-hour session covers topics of specific concern to a formation as determined by its commander.

Said Mr Tyzzer: "What's new about the approach to this session is that senior officers are obliged to attend an open forum providing them the opportunity to get to know their staff on a more personal front ¡Ð and to have a frank and friendly exchange of views."

Team building activities make up the remaining two hours of the day and include vocational training and practical exercises such as debates, quizzes and group discussions designed by Training Wing and Staff Relations Officers.

"We have worked up a total of 12 topics deemed relevant to the core duties of frontline officers such as stop search, arrest and house search; anti-corruption strategy; dangerous drugs and gambling; giving evidence in court, child abuse and so on ¡Ð to be covered by formations in a two-year cycle averaging two months per subject," said Mr Tyzzer.

Although particular officers might think that some of the topics are not of immediate relevance to their current postings, Mr Tyzzer stressed that the subject matter concerned key areas of police work in which all officers should have a good working knowledge.

For each subject, Training Wing has prepared a comprehensive teaching package for TSROs that include CD ROMs, video tapes, books and leaflets. Supporting equipment such as video projectors and notebook computers are also available.

Said Mr Tyzzer: "In order to make these improved training days as effective as possible, we are closely monitoring them. It is also vital for TSROs and formation commanders to make their views known to us. And of course, to better gauge what JPOs (our "clients") think about the programme, we are organising regular feedback sessions.

"I sincerely hope that all formation commanders take a personal interest in training days and make every effort to facilitate the new programme. After all, what could be more valuable to them than a team of well-trained and well-informed officers?"