Cadre recruits come on board
This volunteer unit provides the Force with negotiating capabilities to assist incident commanders during crisis situations such as would-be suicides and hostage-taking .
Graduating on June 9, the JPOs successfully completed a full-time two-week Negotiation Course consisting of lectures and practical sessions covering a number of topics including crisis negotiation techniques, active listening skills, co-operation with different formations and the use of communication equipment.
Police Negotiation Cadres discuss their roles.
Within six months of their graduation the JPOs have to respond to every call together with experienced PNC members.
OffBeat recently spoke to PNC members about their feelings and ambitions.
Ta Kwu Ling Division Acting Station Sergeant Cheung Wing-hung said that joining the PNC had been his wish for more than 10 years. "I applied for this voluntary job once I knew that JPOs were also eligible to join. Willing to tackle challenges, I'm sure I'm capable of doing the job."
Cheung Sha Wan Division Police Constable Dick Yim Ming believed that his analytical, rational mind and patient demeanour qualified him for the job.
"In most cases the subjects were desperate for care and love. We must identify their problems and let them know that we are here for them. With appropriate techniques and strategies, any PNC members, irrespective of their rank, can do the job well," he said.
Sergeant Carlo Ko Man-chiu of Sai Kung Division said that great satisfaction and happiness could be gained from the job. "The job allows me to offer assistance to people in need by using my communication skills."
Tsim Sha Tsui Division Woman PC Lam Yuen-yee told OffBeat the job offered much inspiration, which was good for her self-development.
WPC Chan Sau-yuk of Wan Chai Division hoped that her service with the PNC could help keep the suicide figures down.
Kowloon East Regional Crime Prevention Office WPC Jessica Tam Wai-yi said that the her two-month experience with PNC showed her the importance of collecting and analysing information, strategy adjustment and team spirit.
Their performance over the past few months was highly praised by their instructor, Police Training School Chief Inspector Jonathan Lee Tak-yu. "Being mature and confident, they are able to work under immense pressure. They are willing to help people and it is encouraging to see such a great improvement in such a short period. I hope they can maintain their excellent performance so that more JPOs will consider joining PNC in the next round of recruitment in two years."
For further information regarding PNC, please visit POINT and then go to "Operations/Police Negotiation Cadre".