Calling all 'wannabe' Traffic cops
High-calibre Junior Police Officers (JPOs) interested in Traffic work and eager to take up new challenges are welcome to join.
Chief Superintendent (Traffic) Mr Ling Sin-ching said: "Traffic is a good training ground for officers to become all-round policemen.
"Because they have to work independently most of the time, Traffic policemen have ample opportunities to develop their talents. A motorcycle-borne policeman has to handle all kinds of emergency situations and required to make on-the-spot decisions on their own."
A new entrant will have ample opportunities to receive training. Apart from motorcycle training, officers will be taught the use of different equipment such as laser guns and VASCAR, and may also acquire basic knowledge of car mechanics through the Construction and Maintenance Course.
Mr Ling said the importance of Traffic work is sometimes overlooked. He said Traffic policemen not only play an important role in reducing traffic accidents and maintaining the traffic flow, but also in the facilitation of public order events and the staging of international conferences.
Work in Traffic is multi-faceted. Apart from road patrols, officers are responsible for traffic management and conducting special operations targeting offences such as illegal road racing. After acquiring some experience in Enforcement & Control Division, officers may be trained to investigate traffic accidents. To enhance the professionalism of our Accident Investigation officers, a new training workshop organised by the Detective Training School has recently been introduced.
On promotion prospects, Mr Ling said that promotion chances in Traffic are the same as officers working in other Formations, and that outstanding officers with the requisite leadership ability will have every opportunity for promotion.
"Where the opportunity exists, I think that JPOs should try out different working environments. The working environment and the training provided here are unique and cannot be found elsewhere," he added.
Preferably, JPO applicants should have served in the Force for three years, possess a valid motorcycle licence and have attended the Police Tactical Unit. As the training for a Traffic officer is quite lengthy, the officer should expect to serve in the Formation for at least four years.
Interested parties may apply to SSP Traffic in their respective regions in writing and may indicate their work preferences in their application. Those who are successful will be put on the waiting list and transfer will be arranged as and when vacancies arise.
Superintendent Mr Wai Siu-cheong, who formerly worked at New Territories South (NTS) Traffic, said he also encouraged his colleagues to take up new challenges in Traffic. "The patrol zone for Traffic officers is much larger than that for beat patrol officers. Taking the NTS as an example," he said, "the patrol zone for a Traffic policeman in Tsuen Wan and Kwai Chung Districts covers Mei Foo, Tuen Mun Highway, Tai Mo Shan and Tsing Yi.
"Officers in Traffic have a good team spirit, and usually enjoy their work and responsibilities," he concluded.
Chief Superintendent (Traffic), Mr Ling Sin-ching: "Come and join us"