"The community we serve today not only expects us to be professional, it also expects us to be ethical when we go about our official duties, as well as our private lives. To secure public confidence, a high level of integrity in the Force is required," said Deputy Commissioner (Management) (DCP MAN) Tsang Wai-hung on March 20 at the first meeting of the new Force Committee on Integrity Management (FCIM).

In his opening address, Mr Tsang spoke about how, over the last 30 years, the Force has been transformed into a professional police service, which is the envy of many in the policing world today. He added that the vast majority of the officers are honest, ethical and loyal and that the Force Anti-Corruption Strategy Steering Committee (FACSSC), which has now been replaced by the FCIM, had proved to be a great success in reducing corruption and addressing issues that lead to corruption. For this, Mr Tsang thanked the ICAC for its role on FACSSC and its continued support for the FCIM.

Before closing his address, Mr Tsang told the meeting: "Whilst we continue our journey of managing integrity, this latest move represents yet another important step in the history of the Force as it further enhances its reputation for professionalism, continues to promote public trust and remains an organisation we can all be proud to belong to."

In a busy opening session, the FCIM agreed on its terms of reference, which include formulating and developing policies and measures to promote and sustain the Force Values; identifying and giving directions on key police integrity issues, and monitoring and evaluating the effectiveness of the new Force Strategy for Integrity Management (FSIM), which will replace the Force Anti-Corruption Strategy. An integrated integrity management framework has also been introduced, which involves setting up of Formation Integrity Committees and appointment of Formation Commanders as Formation Integrity Officers. The FCIM secretariat is now liaising with Major Formation Commanders to finalise details.

Speaking after the meeting, Mr Dowie remarked: "There is one misconception that I want to dispel right from the start. The setting up of the FCIM is not a knee jerk reaction to some of the media coverage which the Force has been receiving of late. It is part of a project which was conceived several years ago when the 2008-2010 Strategic Action Plan was devised. It was already in the pipeline and today is the culmination of considerable planning and effort. Furthermore, in a recent Force-wide consultation, this committee had the support of the vast majority of Force members."

Reiterating the tone of DCP MAN's opening address, Mr Dowie called upon all members of the Force to support the FCIM. "I want every officer to get involved, whether regular or auxiliary, as well as our civilian staff to further enhance integrity within the Force," he concluded.

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Speaking at the first meeting of the Force Committee on Integrity Management, Deputy Commissioner (Management) Tsang Wai-hung says the former Force Anti-Corruption Strategy Steering Committee has succeeded in reducing corruption and addressing issues that lead to corruption