Degree programme tailor-made for officers
Some 260 officers have enrolled in a distance learning programme tailor-made by the Open University of Hong Kong for members of the disciplinary forces - in line with lifelong learning advocated by the Force.
Under this programme, Junior Police Officers and Inspectorate Grade officers can obtain an honours degree in a fast-track mode.
Completion of the programme requires 160 credits, but the university has provided two fast study pathways for police officers to obtain qualifications. All Police Inspectors, including those promoted through the Selected Appointment Scheme, will automatically get an exemption of as many as 60 credits, which will save them $50,000 in tuition fee.
JPOs may attain a Diploma in Law Enforcement and Security Management after obtaining 60 credits. If they continue to study for an honours degree, they need only 80 credits instead of 100.
Among the officers who have made use of the fast study pathways, Superintendent Tsang Kwong-ming and Woman Chief Inspector Shirley Chan Mi-ching will be the first to graduate with a Bachelor of Social Sciences (Honours) Degree in Law Enforcement and Security Management this November. OffBeat has asked them why they have taken up the programme.
Keeping up with times
Attached to Mong Kok District, SP Tsang has continued part-time studies since graduating with a bachelor's degree in 1980 and has to his credit a record of distance learning courses over 10 years.
He said: "As society develops, everyone should continue equipping himself or herself to keep up with times. Apart from personal interest, I took up this programme in 2000 because of its relevancy to my work. I wish to enhance my understanding of other police forces as this will be conducive to my work.
"Subjects like criminology, risk assessment and psychology, as well as the other knowledge that I have acquired from the programme can help me get a comprehensive view of many issues and make decisions in my work."
Railway District WCIP Chan said that through the programme, she could learn more about other countries' experience, citing the use of "private policing" in maintaining social order as an example. "Each country has its unique culture and police structure, and such knowledge is beneficial to my work."
After attaining matriculation, Ms Chan joined the Force as a Police Constable in 1978. She always dreams of receiving university education, and the programme has made her dream come true.
Working irregular hours, the two officers have benefited from the advantage offered by distance learning - studying at their own pace.
SP Tsang said: "Sometimes, because of my busy work schedule, I couldn't hand in my assignments on time and had to apply for a 21-day extension of the submission deadline. But I eventually made it after a lot of hard work, great determination and self-discipline."He added that the key to success is time management.
Family support
WCIP Chan has had family support for her studies. "As a mother of two, I won't say there is no pressure from my family at all. But my eagerness to learn has certainly set a good example to my son. When he sees me studying hard, he knows that he should also do the same. We encourage each other to study harder.
"During my study in the past four years, there were times when I was very busy in looking after different things at the same time - family, work and exams. I have been trying my best to strike a balance."
When asked if they had any advice for colleagues interested in the programme, WCIP Chan said: "No pain, no gain. They should be psychologically prepared to give up some of their spare time to pursue the studies!"
SP Tsang encouraged his colleagues to further study to keep abreast of developments in society, but reminded them that the programme requires a certain level of English proficiency as many teaching materials are written in English.
Both SP Tsang and WCIP Chan will continue their quest for knowledge after the completion of the degree programme. In September, Ms Chan will study for a master's degree in public administration.
Those interested in the programme may obtain relevant information from the OUHK website (http://www.ouhk.edu.hk). Enquiries can also be made on 2711-2100.
SP Tsang Kwong-ming and WCIP Shirley Chan encourage colleagues to take up part-time studies