Addressing some 70 senior officers at a seminar at the Police Training School on March 10, Dr Philemon Choi Yuen-wan of the Breakthrough Organisation, said the Force's efforts in reaching out to youths were bringing encouraging results. In particular, he cited the good feedback generated by the Force's own 'Breakthrough' campaign in New Territories North Region.

With over 27 years experience dealing with troubled youngsters, Dr Choi's seminar outlined the causes and characteristics of youth gangs, intervention measures at District level, along with evaluation methods and performance indicators. "I am so glad Police have taken the initiative to move into the community to help Hong Kong's youths. Police youth schemes have been very successful, so much so, I am afraid you may be putting us social workers out of business!" he quipped. "But seriously, for this you get my full respect and compliments, and I would like to thank the Force on behalf of HK's kids."

However, Dr Choi said the work was just beginning for the Force in this area. He recommended that frontline officers develop their discernment in identifying youths with charm, intelligence and other traits suitable for a gang leader, as these people had the ability to lead more impulsive and violent youngsters astray.

Dr Choi, Ng Wai-kit and Charles Wong at the seminar

Family problems, particularly the longing for a father figure and acceptance, were the main reasons youths were turning to gangs, and Dr Choi said children needed a new type of hero image to look up to, one of authority and of caring. He said Police could provide this role model.

And as many were turning to the Internet, not just for study and entertainment, but to make friends through chat programmes, he said the Force could expand its Web presence to provide more information and activities, such as e-games and chat rooms with officers, catering to youth interests.

"Police in future will project a multiple image of authority, caring and trust, in a more contemporary style. A new generation for the Force has arrived."

Director of Operations Ng Wai-kit, officiating at the seminar, thanked Dr Choi for his expertise and encouragement. "We have learned many interesting things today, and Dr Choi has given us a lot of food for thought to help us solve our youth problems."



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