CPC Series
A day's work on a motorbike
During my attachment to traffic in the past four years, I often handled traffic offences on the roads and faced offending motorists. To implement the Selective Traffic Enforcement Policy, the Force encourages frontline officers to consider exercising discretion towards offending motorists if circumstance permits. In many cases we have given verbal warnings instead of summonses or fixed penalty tickets.
It goes without saying that the reaction of a motorist given a verbal warning will be quite different from the one given a traffic ticket. The former may show appreciation or send a letter of thank-you, and some have had this experience.
However, very often the nature of a case is such that we can neither exercise discretion nor give a verbal warning. In such case, we have no choice but to enforce the law. Motorists who do not appreciate this may inevitably feel aggrieved or resentment.
We have to handle this situation carefully - we have to exercise restraint, stay cool and respond with courtesy in the face of an abusing and hostile motorist. For a police officer having undergone professional training, this is by no means dereliction of duty. It is unwise for a police officer to lose control and engage the motorist in a confrontation. Otherwise it may lead to complaints against police or conflicts between police and the public.
In fact, a traffic case, if properly handled, should not turn into a complaint against police. A disgruntled motorist should be advised of the ways he could seek redress, such as the Central Traffic Prosecution Bureau or the court.
Last but not least, whenever we come across anything that we cannot handle, we should seek advice from our supervisor or colleagues. Take my sub-unit attachment as an example, the assistance and support given by colleagues or supervisor have proved positive in resolving disputes and averting complaints.
(Article contributed by Police Constable Liu Ka-lok of Kowloon East Traffic)
