CPC Series
Handling cases calmly and with restraint

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(This is the translated version of an article by CPC member, Police Constable Chan Wang-bun of MEDIV)

"Need to search my boat! Why are you making a nuisance of yourself?" "Why are you checking identity cards even on a fishing outing?"

These types of remarks are nothing new to our Marine Police colleagues when carrying out stop and search of suspicious boats at sea.

Admittedly these operations do cause inconvenience, but they are necessary to prevent sea borne smuggling activities, illegal immigrants from trying to sneak into Hong Kong and navigation of a vessel without a licence.

Those who do not understand the purpose of a Police stop and search exercise may feel discontented and harbour hostile feelings towards the Police.

Should we fail to behave properly or give an explanation for the action or an apology for the inconvenience caused, misunderstanding will arise needlessly. Complaints may follow as a result and the officers concerned will have to sustain mental pressure and anxiety unnecessarily.

To prevent complaints, we should always bear in mind that we are professionals, well trained and capable of coping with situations calmly and with restraint.

We should also consider the position of those affected by our operation and show patience. This will help minimise complaints.