DCP MAN Dick Lee recommends utilising available support services

Psychological Services Group relaxation room

Despite its reputation as a caring, supportive organisation, the Force has had to face the human frailties of its members while actively promoting the extensive network of support available to individuals.

Addressing this sensitive issue, Deputy Commissioner Management Dick Lee Ming-kwai, expressed deep concerns regarding officers' knowledge about, and access to, support services freely available to all members of the Force.

Over recent months members of the Force have been jolted by the news of fellow officers, unable to confront the burden and complexities of personal problems, resorting to the ultimate act of destruction, the taking of one's own life.

"We are all trusting, accepting and occasionally innocent, but most importantly, we are all human. For this reason the unexpected loss of any individual's life, regardless of the circumstances, is a tragedy," Mr Lee stated at the outset.

"We regard the life of every individual as valuable, so any officers facing difficulties should be brave, face reality and seek assistance in an endeavour to find an appropriate solution to their particular dilemma.

"Any unexpected loss of life ...... regardless of the circumstances is a tragedy"

"Officers' problems or concerns may relate to any of a variety of life issues - financial, personal relationships, family worries or even career concerns. The Force supports its members through thick and thin and provides an extensive network of support services in order to lighten their burden and hopefully guarantee that specific problems can be addressed and resolved."

Mr Lee emphasised that although there had been no upsurge in the number of suicides in recent years, the consistent numbers of officers who found themselves in apparently hopeless situations did beg the question of whether the message of concern and information regarding the existing support network is actually filtering down to the lower ranks.

"Relevant services exist for all staff but management must also bear some responsibility and regularly remind all officers that they are available," said Mr Lee.

"Police officers risk their lives in any number of situations for other people. They should have the same concern and consideration for their own lives and the impact that radical actions have on colleagues, friends and relatives."

"We regard the life of every individual as valuable"

He emphasised once again the availability of counselling services for all members of the Force in relation to financial assistance, welfare assistance, sickness and domestic problems.

"While these services are available to all officers it must be emphasised that the Force is certainly not alone in relation to staff experiencing personal problems of one sort or another. Other organisations face similar challenges," said Mr Lee.

"We are 100 per cent behind every member of our force."

Confirming an increase in the number of referrals by members of the Force, Senior Police Clinical Psychologist Eddie Li Kam-wah reinforced the need to continually promote the availability of counselling and welfare services available to all officers.

"In recent years the number of self-referrals has risen and now accounts for over 55 per cent of our consultations,"said Mr Li. "Others were referred by formation commanders, Training and Staff Relations Officers and Police Welfare Officers.

"All methods of referral are important and we want officers to feel they can come forward for assistance when they feel there is a need. We are here to promote mutual care and mutual support. It is important that they get assistance before problems get out of control. All consultations will be treated in strict confidence."

Mr Li emphasised that the Force actively promoted a comprehensive system of care which was central to any policy of organisational stress management.

"Depending on the nature and severity of the problem, Force members can have free access to the services of a multi-disciplinary team of professional helpers as well as TSROs."

Mr Li added: "Police work is very stressful. Every member should monitor and engineer their lifestyle appropriately for proper stress management."

The final word, however, must lie with DCP MAN. "We are 100 per cent behind every member of our Force and will provide them with whatever assistance they may need in order to address their personal difficulties whether it be counselling, peer support, or even observations regarding warning signs noted in fellow colleagues."

"The Force is in fact a benchmark by which society measures its own values and concerns," said Mr Lee. "Therefore we must be able to acknowledge the stress this places upon all officers and address the most appropriate method of eleviating personal problems, not only for the health and survival of individuals but also to guarantee that we remain just what we are, an understanding, compassionate, humane Force as interpreted by both officers and the general public.



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