Nominated by their commanders between June and August, the officers will compete for about 50 vacancies for the rank of Station Sergeant (General Stream) for the 1999-2000 exercise. Selection results are expected by the end of March next year.

With the issuing of Administrative Instructions for the exercise by the Personnel Management Branch in early June, selection work was assigned to the Senior Superintendent (Moderator) JPO Promotions Iain Tse Ho-yin, along with the Force Promotion Assessment Teams (FPAT) and the Force Review Board under his leadership.

Fair observation: Force Promotion Assessment Teams observe a mock interview exercise

A Superintendent would also replace the SSP as chairman of each FPAT. The other two members of each FPAT would remain Chief Inspectors.

Four FPATs were formed on September 6, to closely review candidates'Divisional Record Files (DRFs) and mark scores to shortlist candidates for interview.

Addressing FPAT members recently, Director of Personnel and Training Leung Fung-shun emphasised the importance of fairness, impartiality and transparency throughout the selection process.

A day's instruction for FPAT members was held at the Police Training School on September 7.

Held by PMB, instructors briefed participants on selection and interview skills.

Mock interviews, scoring and DRF reviewing exercises were also held. Mr Tse said interviews would start about October 19 and the whole process would last about two weeks.

"FPATs will assess the candidates they have seen and make a recommended list of candidates according to their scores for the Force Review Board.

"The Board re-examines the scores and prepares its own list of recommended candidates together with the final report for the whole exercise," he said.

"This is forwarded to the Commissioner of Police for endorsement at the end of December, and results should be announced in February or March."

Mr Tse reiterated the seriousness of the selection process, adding: "I believe each candidate must have worked exceptionally hard during the past few years to be nominated for this promotion exercise.

"And it is a must for FPAT members to review each candidate with the utmost impartiality, fairness and transparency."

Mr Tse also offered some advice for aspiring candidates in preparing for their interviews.

"Candidates should make an effort to know more about the day-to-day duties of a Uniform Branch SSGT, to familiarise themselves with police procedures and relevant laws and regulations.

"The latest Force developments such as service quality initiatives, are also areas not to be overlooked.

"Last but not least, they are strongly encouraged to pay attention to current issues and hot topics concerning the Government," Mr Tse said.

Those shortlisted will be further examined and considered by the Force Review Board who will forward recommendations to the Commissioner of Police. Results will be formally announced in January or February.

Senior Superintendent Iain Tse said: :Those candidates not yet formally informed by their commanders that they have been unsuccessful in the exercise, can assume that their names are on the shortlist being re-examined by the Force Review Board. I'd like to advise them to be patient and wait for the results announcement."




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