The FCIM discussed and reviewed a number of issues, such as the Ethics Officer's report, corruption statistics, indebtedness, and initiatives undertaken in accordance with the FSIM.

Speaking to OffBeat after the meeting, Mr Tsang said: "Yes, a lot has already been done since the FCIM was first convened in March. We have introduced the new FSIM, which, as everyone should know, adopts a four-pronged approach of: (a) education and culture building; (b) governance and control; (c) enforcement and deterrence, and (d) rehabilitation and support. This strategy will drive the Force's efforts, in the coming years, to ensure that a high standard of integrity is maintained throughout our organisation."

He added: "Having consulted all major formation commanders, we now have 44 FICs, each chaired by a Formation Integrity Officer (FIO) at chief superintendent or senior superintendent rank. Every member of the Force, including auxiliaries and civilian staff, will be represented by an FIC. The FICs will review and monitor integrity related issues, implement relevant components of the FSIM through instigating local initiatives, monitor the effectiveness of these initiatives, and provide feedback to the FCIM."

The FCIM has also endorsed the use of a number of management indicators, such as the numbers of officers arrested and the officers subject to complaints of corruption, to evaluate and monitor the Force's integrity management programme. These indicators are based on a Force-wide consultation, which was conducted earlier this year, and the administrative arrangements for their introduction are now being finalised by Complaints and Internal Investigations Branch (C&IIB).

Talking about the indicators, Mr Tsang said: "Every programme, upon which the Force embarks, has to be subject to evaluation and review. Whilst there are inherent difficulties in identifying reliable indicators in the complex environment under which we are operating, these indicators will provide reference to help Force management to evaluate the success of our integrity management programme. Of course, we will be very cautious when interpreting figures derived from these indicators and further analysis will be conducted and comments from major formation commanders and FIOs will be sought to try to identify the reasons behind any changes in these figures."

In another development, the FCIM agreed to introduce a set of behavioural guidelines to promote the Force values of integrity and honesty. Seven guidelines, which were devised following an extensive Force-wide consultation, will be publicised in the fourth quarter of this year. The Force will also develop a briefing pack, which will be used to introduce the guidelines to Force members.

Speaking about this initiative, Mr Tsang said: "These behavioural guidelines re-affirm the parameters of the behaviour within which all members of the Force are expected to conduct themselves. They are not part of the disciplinary code, but a breach of the guidelines could well damage the image and reputation of the Force and, indeed, might in some circumstances lead to disciplinary action. These guidelines cover everyday issues, such as discrimination, corruption, indebtedness, and we hope all members of the Force will use them to guide their conduct, so that it accords with the Force values."

During the meeting, Kowloon West (KW) took the opportunity to share their experience of managing integrity. KW Deputy Regional Commander Lo Wai-chung gave a most interesting talk about his Region's efforts to improve the integrity of its officers. He described how, since 2006, KW had developed a holistic approach to manage integrity, which consisted of close monitoring of ongoing, integrity-related investigations; education and publicity; reinforcement and leadership; and a programme to identify, at an early stage, officers deemed to be at risk of misconducting themselves. His Region was now looking at the issues of rehabilitation and raising awareness amongst younger officers of integrity related issues. As a result of this programme, KW had enjoyed a considerable decline in the number of officers having integrity problem.

Also speaking to OffBeat, C&IIB Chief Superintendent Fan Sik-ming, in his capacity as the Assistant Force Ethics Officer, encouraged officers to approach C&IIB if they have any comments about integrity in the Force or any queries about the Force's integrity management programme. "C&IIB will provide secretariat support to the FCIM and will administer all aspects of the Force's integrity management programme. We're open to any suggestions that any member of the Force might have. Furthermore, if anyone has any queries about this programme, he or she can contact me or Senior Superintendent C&IIB directly," he said.

Deputy Commissioner (Management) Tsang Wai-hung, who chairs the Force Committee on Integrity Management, discusses the latest development of Integrity Management within the Force with Director of Management Services Mike Dowie, the Force Ethics Officer