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Police 'brothers and sisters' help youths
 WPC Liu Yuk-ham and PC Kung Shui-kan explain their work with youths |
Sau Mau Ping District officers are using their spare time to counsel problem students and help them lead a more constructive life.
Code named Project SMP, the initiative involves the participation of schools, multi-agencies and parents, to help youths, along with the adoption of Police 'brothers' and 'sisters'.
The campaign is jointly organised by the District, the Social Welfare and Education Departments, the Kwun Tong District Fight Crime Committee, along with social work, school, parent and community groups.
Sixteen officers enrolled voluntarily under the project's Ambassador Scheme and completed a course organised by the District and Kwun Tong Out-reach Services Co-ordinating Committee held February 16 and 17.
The participants shared experiences with out-reach social workers and learned the developmental characteristics of youths, the causes of juvenile delinquency and basic techniques in communicating with youngsters. They received insight into their role in helping the youths and how best they could use their personal strengths.
Director of Personnel and Training Leung Fung-shun presented the officers with certificates after they completed the course.
Sau Mau Ping District Commander Tony Au Yiu-kwan said each officer would be responsible for counselling one student to give the greatest attention, assuming the role of an elder brother or sister.
"The students are either referred by schools and social workers or are those under the supervision of the Superintendents' Discretion Scheme. They, like the officers, join the programme voluntarily and with consent from their parents," Mr Au said.
"Counselling lasts a year and every two months officers will report the progress to a committee comprising representatives from local community organisations, Police, the Education and the Social Welfare Departments, who will render assistance when necessary."
Officers taking part are divided into three groups and liaise closely with SWD. Members take part in group activities to share experiences and exchange views. Officers from the School Liaison Team and District Anti-triad Section also provide support.
Students succeeding in turning a new leaf would be chosen as ambassadors to present their story to other youths. There would also be an election of the most successful student under the project.
The project will last three years and another volunteer training course will be organised in six months.
Two officers who completed the course said they were confident in the programme.
Woman Police Constable Liu Yuk-ham of Ngau Tau Kok Division said: "More often than not, youngsters have developed problematic behaviour because of peer influence. If they are given the chance for assistance from an elder brother or sister, they will definitely be able to lead a normal life again." Police Constable Kung Shui-kan of Sau Mau Ping Division added: "The communication and interpersonal skills I can learn through the project may help when I have my own children in future."