Not every member of the public has the ability or opportunity to understand our duties as police officers. Our everyday work is maintaining law and order, but bearing in mind most people do not understand the legal authority entrusted to a police officer and the rationale behind such power, we need to be more cautious and to put ourselves in the shoes of ordinary citizens. This will help greatly in reducing misunderstandings.

It is not uncommon that whenever a conflict arises, people will put the blame on the way an individual officer handles the incident. One of the antidotes against misunderstandings and complaints I would recommend is addressing the root of the problem and offering an explanation.

A vivid example in our daily work is the challenge from a member of the public asking us why he was picked from the many other passers-by when we conduct a routine identity check on the street. You may instantly think that you are empowered by law to do so and are not obliged to give an explanation. As a result, you may not bother to respond or give a brief answer. This, more often than not, will give rise to misunderstanding. The one being questioned may think you owe him an explanation and you picked him without any good reason. This could be the cause of a complaint.

Being civil servants, we are committed to providing a service of quality and demonstrating our professionalism. Explaining why we are exercising our power and demonstrating fairness and impartiality can help eliminate misunderstandings and building a good rapport.

I would like to make use of this series to share my experience with you all. The saying of "Put Yourself in Other People's Shoes" is always the key to success. In our daily life, problems often proliferate from "misunderstandings". It is something in reality that we cannot stay aloof and it is always advisable to clear up a misunderstanding at the earliest opportunity. There is no harm explaining briefly why and how you are carrying out a constabulary duty.

Lastly, think from the perspective of the public whom we face and serve every day and change the mindset that police officers are legally empowered to exercise their authority and further explanation is redundant. If there is something we can do to reduce unnecessary complaints, why not do it?

(Article contributed by Yuen Long District DPC Cheung Hon-fai)