CPC Series
Officer's affection helps boy reform

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I am a Detective Police Constable attached to Technology Crime Division of Commercial Crime Bureau. I would like to share with colleagues the experience and investigative skills I have accumulated over the past years.

Some months ago I took over a series of theft cases involving auto-pay machines. Initially it was suspected that a syndicate, which was knowledgeable in computer skills, was the culprit. However, further enquiries revealed that the suspect was a 13-year-old boy.

On the day the boy was taken to the station, he was uncooperative during initial enquiries. What he said sounded very unreasonable, giving the impression of trying to lay blame on someone else. I could see that he was hesitant and scared, just like what was expected of an ordinary youngster. He would defend his own faults, or would even make up a story in order to protect himself.

Looking at the case in another man's shoes, I felt that the boy had lied only for fear of punishment. Hence, I tried to make him understand that I really wished to help him, and what I wanted was to find out the truth of the case. I also told him it would do him no good, and he would disappoint his parents and friends if he hided the truth from me. I encouraged him to face up what he had done, and assured him that he would surely be given a chance to turn over a new leaf even if he was really at fault.

Eventually the boy confided to me the whole story of the case. When his mother came to the station, he also mustered all his courage to confess his wrongdoing to her.

The boy was later charged with one count of theft. The case was heard at Juvenile Court, and luckily, he was only bound over for one year and placed under the supervision of Social Welfare Department, without criminal record.

After the case was over, the boy and his mother sent me a card to thank me for the care and guidance I had given him, and praise the Force for its caring and professionalism. I am still keeping in touch with the boyÕs parents and know how he is keeping. I am pleased that he has really turned over a new leaf and very much wants to join the Force some time in the future.

(This article is contributed by DPC Law Kei-tat)