Training course for junior officers to combat juvenile delinquency
The first of the three training programmes for Junior Police Officers and Inspectors to enhance their ability in handling juvenile delinquency began on May 14.
The two-week programme involves attachment of officers to non-governmental organisations (NGOs), attending lectures at universities, field studies, agency visits and case conferences.
At the opening ceremony at the HK Polytechnic University, CSP Training, Mr Ho Chi-tong, thanked participating organisations and highlighted Police strategies in handling marginal youth problems.
More than 70 social workers, 21 Police officers and 10 guests attended the opening ceremony.
SP Helen Kwong gave a talk on two subjects entitled "Handling of Juvenile Delinquency and Juvenile Crime on Divisional Level" and "The Implementation of Police Superintendent's Discretion Scheme".
SIP Ho Kwong-on spoke on "Tackling Juvenile Triad Activity", while Dr Howard Cheng of the university delivered a talk on "A Multi-agency Approach - Interface of Police and Social Work Professions".
The aim of the programme is to:
University lecturers and senior social workers will also discuss with the participating officers the role of social service agencies in partnership with the Police in preventing juvenile delinquency, and also communication skills with marginal young people.
On field studies, groups made up of two to three officers will be attached to eight different social service centres for several days to exchange views with frontline social workers and observe how they approach problematic youths.
The Officers will also have the opportunity
to meet face-to-face with selected groups of
people, including marginal youths, teachers and parents.
On completion of the course, each group will present a report summarising what they have learnt to the Police management.
The next course will be held in November and the third in January 2003.
Major formation Commanders will be invited to nominate officers who are currently handling juvenile delinquents and have previous experience in volunteer youth services.
Exchanging ideas to combat juvenile delinquency