This month 25 junior police officers with five to eight years of service and a further 14 with 10 years or more have attended respectively the 5-day module I, a compulsory professional development course, and module IV, an optional course on supervision.

Senior Inspector Choi Wing-mei, Module I Course Instructor, stated that the content of the new module is extremely rich in substance. Topics related to the performance of daily duties, dealing with psychological issues and real-life situations form the basis of the curriculum, which motivates trainees to actively participate in training activities. And training strategies have been transformed in order to develop course participants' qualities.

Senior Inspector Tsui Shiu-lun, Module IV Course Instructor, said the course was brand new, taken as an elective curriculum to substitute for the former PC 10th Year Development Course. It contains basic supervisory skills, which include resources management, facilitating, coaching, influencing, and empathetic listening and response techniques, as well as preparation and techniques for PC-SGT promotion. Training was provided by way of experience sharing, group discussion and role-playing, and the classroom atmosphere was conducive to learning, with trainees quickly involved in various activities.

Chief Inspector Kwok Hay-lung of JPO DLD pointed out that there would be a review after Module IV has completed its pilot run in 2005 / 06. He will suggest more optional modules be conducted if there is a strong demand. He also stressed that attending the optional module should be voluntary and nomination for the course must be endorsed by a Formation Commander. However, the attendance should not be regarded as a factor for promotion to Sergeant. An officer, who has not had a chance to attend the course, should not be regarded as not having promotion potential.

Trainees have heaped favourable comments on both courses.

Police Constable Yip Cheuk-fai from Aberdeen Division described his feelings of the Module I Course as "relaxed", "happy", "vivid" and "realistic". He said that the knowledge he had long forgotten had now been "refreshed and rejuvenated", and that he understood himself and others better than ever before. He now believes he is capable of performing his duties effectively.

Police Constable Wong Wai-choi from Tuen Mun Division said: "Module I Course has given me the opportunity to understand myself better. I've learned how to rectify my previous misconceptions and how to become a truly professional police officer in every sense of the words."

A trainee of Module IV Course, Police Constable Leung Ho-yee from New Territories South Emergency Unit, said the interpersonal skills he had acquired could be applied at work and, most importantly, in daily life. He had learned valuable skills, which could be perfected with practice.

Another trainee of Module IV Course, Police Constable Tang Hing-fung from Crime HQs of Hong Kong Island, considered the course very useful for self-development. He noted: "The interpersonal communication skills I've learned would stand me in good stead for my work. The biggest benefit for me is being capable of rectifying my own shortcomings. I will recommend the course to my colleagues and follow the instructor's advice to put what I've learned into practice."

In general, the trainees feel both courses have enhanced their self-confidence and professionalism, and prepared them to rise to challenges from work.

The modular training format is being implemented by phases between this month and April 2007. Phase I commenced earlier this month with modules I and IV. Phase II will be implemented in April 2006 with Module II. Phase III, the last phase, will introduce Module III in April 2007. By the end of phase III, all the three compulsory modules and the optional module will have been launched for all trainees.

Trainees have heaped praise on the new development courses