JPOs from T NTS have achieved promotion for the third year running, after the promotion of a Sergeant and five PCs in the 2006-07 Promotion Exercise, and four PCs in the 2007-08 exercise.

On June 3, T NTS held the traditional thanks-giving ceremony of paying homage to "Kwan Tai", the God of Righteousness. Officiating at the ceremony, NTS Regional Commander Tse Shu-chun and Deputy Regional Commander Kevin Woods congratulated the officers on their promotions.

They said their training had broadened their horizons; their jobs had brought them into contact with people from different strata; and dealing with offending motorists had put their endurance and patience to the test. They are inpressed with the training they have received.

Observations and feelings

"The knowledge and experience gained from traffic jobs are definitely a big help for an officer's career development. My forthcoming promotion is proof that Traffic Branch, like other Formations, is full of chances, as long as officers are persistent in pursuing their goals."

SGT Mak recalled: "When I was posted to T NTS three years ago, I worried about whether I could make adjustments. But in the past three years, I have acquired a considerable amount of expertise and experience, which broadened my horizons. T NTS management has also implemented different plans for officers to attain all-round developments and enhance their promotion prospects."

When posted to T NTS in October 2007, SGT Wong Sze-long worried about the potential danger of driving a motorcycle on the highway, but he soon found out that the Force provides protective equipment and training for officers. And the very strict standards for vehicle maintenance made him more confident of patrolling on the bike.

"It is a great satisfaction for me to see our education for road users pays off, and traffic accidents drop gradually. My promotion as well as those of my colleagues are recognitions of our efforts," said SGT Wong.

Speaking of his work in T NTS since 2007, PC Chan Ka-ming said: "Whilst working on Lantau and Sha Tin, handling serious traffic accidents on the highways required speedy rescue operations, investigations and diversion of traffic. In addition, there were other operations, such as those against speeding and 'following too closely'. What I am happy with are the teamwork and esprit de corps within T NTS. The different kinds of experiences that I have got from T NTS are invaluable.

"When I leave my post, I will share my valuable experience with my colleagues, and encourage them to join Traffic Branch."

Explaining how he joined T NTS, PC Wong said: "Despite what other officers had said about traffic, I handed in my application after very careful consideration.

"In the first place, I did not have any qualification for driving a government vehicle, but now I am proud of being able to drive a police car or motorcycle to carry out my duties. It really takes a lot of expertise, professional knowledge and efforts by officers to effectively keep the roads free of traffic congestion and to reduce traffic accidents. Whilst carrying out various duties and special operations, I am also sensitive to crimes, and had over the past two years made arrests in different cases such as illegal immigration, theft, forgery and possession of drugs. I am very happy where I work and the atmosphere and morale among my colleagues are very good. I hope I can contribute more to my department."

PC Ip pointed out that T NTS, besides providing equipment and vehicles, also placed emphasis on beefing up officers' leadership skills and abilities to work independently. "Traffic is a job for those who are not afraid of working in very trying conditions and taking up challenges. Traffic Branch is definitely a professional formation, and it is a good place for officers to acquire unique experience from general policing."

NTS Regional Commander Tse Shu-chun and Deputy Regional Commander Kevin Woods congratulate the seven officers on their promotions