Sergeants study community policing in NZ
Superintendent Bradley Wright from the Police College, who arranges such visits, said that so far a total of 42 officers had attended the overseas study visits, adding that the visits were so popular with the participants that the Police College intends to organise more visits next year.
The last study visit took place between November 18 and 24 when Chief Inspector Chan Kwok-kee and Woman Chief Inspector Chan Wing-mee led a study delegation comprising SGTs Liu Tung-chung, Tse Kam-yeung and Luk Ka-ho, as well as WSGT Hung Pui-sze, to visit the New Zealand Police (NZP). The theme of this study visit was "Engaging the Community" which is one of the four strategic directions announced by CP for the next Strategic Action Plan. In particular the delegation studied community-policing strategy, partnership in building safer communities and enhancement of public confidence and visited a community-based police station to study "community policing the New Zealand way".
This is the first time the Force has sent a study delegation to New Zealand. On their arrival, it was greeted by a high-powered reception party headed by NZP Assistant Commissioner Jon White. Also present was the Training Commander of the Royal NZP College (RNZPC) Superintendent Michael Wilson who gave the delegates a traditional welcome called "Whakatau", which symbolises "exchange of breath" between NZP and HKPF.
During the visit, senior NZP officers and experts from different policing fields shared their vision and expertise about the study theme and introduced a number of successful local initiatives. Topics discussed covered the New Zealand Police Review Act, Strategic Plan 2010, gender policing, ethnic diversity and community policing strategies and theories. The delegation also talked to the community policing constables of a local police station and observed their day-to-day duties and equipment.
SGT Luk said the NZP had a clear definition of community policing and its strategy emphasises on partnership, participation, priority and protection. "These '4Ps' give the community reassurance and align the NZP with the community and all stakeholders," he noted.
WSGT Hung commented: "Building a safer community for different races, ethnicities and cultures is not an easy task but the partnership and commitments to serve the public make it accomplishable. All in all the delegates were highly impressed by the NZP officers' local knowledge and care for their citizenry."
Before concluding the study visit, WCIP Chan gave a presentation to the staff and trainees of the RNZPC on the Force's Police Tactical Unit training and policing of public order and crowd management events. She also shared the Force's experience in policing the World Trade Organization Ministerial Conference held in Hong Kong in December 2005.
The delegation also took the opportunity to strengthen ties with the NZP since the visit of NZP Commissioner Howard Broad and ACP Jon White to Hong Kong in June this year and met with NZP Interpol colleagues. At the end of a busy programme the delegation found their weeklong visit both professionally and personally stimulating and would make every effort, once back in their own formations, to share their new-found knowledge.
Officers with Training Commander, Superintendent Wilson
"Whakatau" welcome by Training Commander of the Royal New Zealand Police College, Superintendent Michael Wilson (3rd from left), ACP White (5th from left) and Superintendent Bill Searle (7th from left)
The Head of Interpol New Zealand, Mr Foster, receives a souvenir from the Force
CIP Chan presents the Hong Kong Police Review, CP's Organisation Priorities, and Policing in Hong Kong at the Turn of the Century to New Zealand Police Assistant Commissioner, Mr Jon White