The key SERVICE features present only the characteristics of policing in Hong Kong in terms of strategies, deliverables and outcomes. What they do not explain is the success factors, many of which are to be found inside the organisation, for example organisational values, people, leadership, systems and processes. A tree metaphor will present an alternative view of Hong Kong policing to help more comprehensive understanding.

Deliverables and Strategies

Above the ground, the foliage represents deliverables and strategies or the key SERVICE features of the Force, providing the means through which it branches out into the community. As stated earlier, it is an external view of what policing in Hong Kong means to the average citizen and what we all contribute in our many different ways.

Service-oriented Value-driven Policing

Central to Hong Kong policing is a service-oriented, value- driven philosophy. Service orientation is explicitly stated in the values of the Force where at least three of the eight values are targeted at service improvement: acceptance of responsibility and accountability, dedication to quality service, and continuous improvement and responsiveness to change.

Community values and expectations have driven Force policy and service and Force strategic decisions in turn reflect the interests of the community. The community demands the rule of law and holds high expectations that the Force will uphold the law, maintain law and order, protect life and property, and prevent and detect crime. These community values are also the core values of the Force, which is always responsive to community needs, concerns and problems.

A community-oriented, value-driven policing philosophy supports service-oriented policing, which in the Hong Kong context, embraces problem solving and proactive intelligence-led policing. The Force is sensitive to public demands, responds constructively to media criticisms, empowers regional and district commanders in according priorities to local problems and in providing local solutions, involves the community and collaborates with the private sector in maintaining law and order and in preventing crime.

Hong Kong practises intelligence-led policing. At strategic level, intelligence-led policing is the overall strategy in crime prevention and public order policing. The fundamental philosophy is to proactively pre-empt a potential policing threat before it has the opportunity to develop into a major concern. At international level, the Force works with the Interpol and collaborates with Mainland authorities and other law enforcement agencies to deal with cross boundary and transnational crime. At tactical level, formations proactively analyse crime and situational data to intervene in potential crime and public order problems.

Hong Kong policing is helped by the political neutrality of the civil service. The Force is apolitical; the Commissioner is not a political appointee. It is a professional organisation that has no direct dealings with political parties. All liaison with political parties are conducted through the Security Bureau.

Leadership and Supportive Framework

At the roots nourishing the entire structure are the strong leadership and robust supportive framework. A strong leadership steers and directs the course of the Force through an ever-evolving terrain of policing with clear goals. Force leadership is willing to listen to both voices from within and without the Force. Force management philosophy is to lead by example and for managerial officers to walk the talk. Top management is caring and genuinely concerned about the feelings of its officers, building solidarity and trust through supporting its workforce and sharing with them challenges and difficulties. Officers repay the care and support of the management with their dedication and willingness to take extra steps in their daily work.

The robust internal framework supports the organisation. It includes functions undertaken by different policy wings, such as

* Flexible Maximum Police Coverage;

* Efficient Work Process and Effective Accoutrement;

* Intelligence-led Crime Prevention Strategies;

* Holistic Competency-based Human Resource Management;

* Robust Quality Management Systems;

* Strategic Information and Communication Technology Management, and

* Steady Budget and Financial Autonomy, Efficient Civilian Support and Modern Infrastructure.

Conclusion

Whether we define policing in Hong Kong in terms of SERVICE or the tree metaphor, the Force practises a policing system that answers the unique political and social needs of the community. The Force is guided by overarching policing principles that lay emphasis on service provision, ethics and values. Community partnership, problem solving and proactive intelligence-led policing are concepts embedded in the strategies and deliverables of the Force. The Force is able to deliver the best services to the community due to factors such as its political neutrality, a dedicated workforce, leadership and supportive systems and processes.

Service-oriented policing in partnership with the community is and will continue to be our guiding principle in the many years to come.

Further Reading (Available in the Force Library) * HKPF (2006) "A Focused Structure to Serve the Public" in Hong Kong Police Review 2006, pp. 70-81.

"Policing in Hong Kong" Report Series 11 of 11