Inspector Ian Chow Ngai-kong has been in charge of a Special Duty Squad in Yuen Long District since last July. Prior to this job, he had worked for one year as a Patrol Sub-unit Commander in Tin Shui Wai Division immediately after passing out from Police Training School (PTS) in July 2003.

Police Constable Wong Kwok-sum has just been transferred to Police Tactical Unit from Ma On Shan Division where he had worked in Report Room immediately after leaving PTS in October 2003.

During an interview with Psychological Services Group and Staff Relations Group for the third part of this series, the officers confined their observations on, and feelings of, their jobs, their ways of coping with problems and the changes police work has brought to their ways of life.

Whilst they might differ in some aspects, the officers have one thing in common - for their careers they have never expected anything as glamorous as that depicted in movies or television series. They know they have to be pragmatic in what they expect their careers could offer.

And so far, they are happy with what they have achieved. They feel PTS has provided them with a "very good foundation" for their jobs, which enables them to learn new things, gain valuable experiences, and become more mature in some ways.

For IP Chow, police work has also offered him an opportunity to draw on his work experience obtained in the private sector for such important matters as making decisions, planning and deploying staff and resources, communicating with staff, and maintaining staff morale as a Sub-unit Commander. This also applies to his work in heading his Special Duty Squad.

Facing challenges

Some of the challenges he had faced stemmed from supervising a large number of JPOs as a middle level manager, including experienced NCOs; handling "management crises", like morale problems and disagreement among his subordinates; and making an effort to appreciate their problems and aspirations.

For PC Wong, who headed straight for PTS after leaving university, Report Room duties have made him more capable of communicating with and helping members of the public, making correct judgement and distinguishing right and wrong. More important for him is the realisation that the public expect more and more from the Force, and police officers have to try their best to meet rising public expectations and accept criticisms or abuses by the public as part of their work with an open mind.

"While working in the Report Room, I was rather nervous and anxious about my job, knowing that I'm no longer a university student and is duty bound to serve the public," he recalled.

Speaking of work problems, both officers said they had to make adjustments in their daily lives in order to cope with shift duties. One thing they invariably do is to get as much sleep as possible so as to start a day's work with vigour.

And shift duties, together with other jobs, have left them not much spare time for their social lives and pastimes. IP Chow has so little spare time that he has given up his favourite air gun war games.

"I seldom have a day-off on Sunday these days, and I haven't seen my friends for half a year. On the other hand, I'm spending more time staying at home so as to get more rest! This is police work; I'm psychologically prepared for these changes to my way of life," he noted.

For PC Wong, "a little sacrifice is worth what I've gained from my work!"

Both officers also admitted having felt the pinch of pressure in getting jobs done. But PC Wong knows from his father and elder brother - both are also serving in the Force - that this is also part of police work. And IP Chow does not see work pressure as a big deal for him.

"Work pressure mainly comes from workload and getting jobs done. You can avoid it by strictly adhering to work procedures and regulations, as well as trying your best not to make mistakes", he said.

Nevertheless, they have to find some ways to relieve work pressure. IP Chow keeps pets and tries to indulge in computer games at home, while PC Wong resorts to jogging and physical exercises.

At the end of the interview, they attempted to offer some advice to young fellow officers. Their main recommendation is "be ready to take extra duties if necessary and never hesitate to ask for advice, from your superiors or even subordinates, whenever you come across a problem".

As well as hard work and avoiding making mistakes, IP Chow's recipe for a successful career includes a good foundation, experience sharing with colleagues and problem-solving skills.

PC Wong advised fellow officers to pursue continuous studies, improve their ability of making analysis, accept criticism with an open mind, and "be realistic in expecting what your work will offer you in return!"

Comments by Psychological Services Group (PSG)

From the interview with IP Chow and PC Wong, we can sense the passion and inexhaustible enthusiasm of new members in the Force. In the beginning of police career, which can be described as "toddler" stage, "fresh" colleagues are fascinated by the novelty and exciting experiences of police work. Their eyes are opened. Every working day is full of interesting challenges. Even if they encounter a difficult situation, they are willing to face it and try to resolve it. The major task at this stage is to learn and adapt to a new environment. In fact, their learning curves are exceptionally high - they are quick to absorb tons of information, including police knowledge, organisational culture, behavioral norms and communication styles. They are so involved in their job that they don't mind spending extra time and effort. Because of this phenomenon, an experienced police psychologist in the States has described the early years in police career as "honeymoon" phase - it is as if new colleagues "have fallen in love" with their job!

Though called "toddler" stage, the beginning of police career is also filled with a lot of stress. It is a big change for an average young man to become a law enforcement officer who now has to carry high level of responsibilities and cope with the high demands from different parties like supervisors and citizens. It is not just a change in occupational identity, personal life and even personality will inevitably be affected. There would be less gathering with family and friends because of limited spare time and previous interests could not be further pursued, becoming more tactful in interpersonal skills and having a stronger critical thinking. Old friends of some new officers may find their buddies no longer the ones they used to be, and have difficulties finding common conversation topics. Gradually they become more and more apart from each other. Even the officers' families may have to make adjustment to their quick and obvious changes. If there is a lack of communication between new officers and their families and friends, misunderstanding and conflict will occur.

Besides, this stage is also a critical time to sow the seeds for life-long habits and ways of coping for the rest of their career life. It is observed that some new officers have developed some maladaptive habits when they attempt to cope with the huge changes described above, such as overspending, spending nights out and even gambling. Gradually these "habits" become "lifestyle", which signifying the beginning of losing balance in life.

As such, while enjoying their work, new officers should also be aware of the importance of balance early in police career. IP Chow and PC Wong have laid a very good "psychological foundation" for the rest of their career with positive life attitude, realistic expectations, adaptive coping methods and contacts with their families and friends. A good beginning paves the way to success. If one can grasp the wisdom of work-life balance at an early stage, the whole police career will be more fulfilling and enjoyable!

PC Wong has become more mature since joining the Force

For IP Chow, work pressure is "no big deal"