Ballot attendance impractical

According to existing practice, a ballot is arranged when more than one application is lodged for a Force holiday flat, and officers who wish to be present at the ballot have to notify the Sports and Recreation Division of their attendance well in advance.

I would like to suggest balloting to be done at the Police Sports and Recreation Club (such as in the case of allocating carpark spaces for Force quarters) instead of the Division's Wan Chai office as it is impractical for most officers working shifts to go all the way there. This would not only help officers and their families to attend the balloting but also rule out any possible malpractice in the balloting process.

A PC of Tsim Sha Tsui Police Station

Sports and Recreation responds . . .

The ballot system in allocating holiday flats is fully transparent and is constantly monitored by Senior Superintendent (Catering, Clubs, Sports and Recreation). All applications are arranged chronologically in the computer system and each eligible applicant is given a serial number. Cards bearing the corresponding serial numbers are used for the draw by SSP CCSR or Superintendent (Catering, Sports and Recreation), in the Recreation Unit office in the Dominion Centre in Wan Chai every Monday at midday. Immediately after each ballot, SSP CCSR or SP CSR personally endorses successful applications.

The possibility of fraud and mishandling is most unlikely. Officers who wish to witness the process are welcome to show up at the scheduled time and no prior appointment is required.

The PC's idea of having the ballot at the PSRC, similar to Quartering Division's parking space draw, is noted. But unlike the carpark ballot which is held three times a year, the holiday home ballot is held weekly. Due to limited manpower and resources, it would not be cost effective and administratively viable to hold the weekly balloting exercise in an office far away from the Recreation Unit.

Mak Kwai-sing

SP CSR