RMPU KE officers have discovered, from researches into missing person cases, that many juveniles and young persons ran away from home over loneliness, a sense of loss, and peer pressure. To overcome their sense of loneliness and loss, many juveniles seek refuge in cyber-space, running away from home and staying overnight in cyber cafes and internet bars. The officers have also noted that with "early intervention", the vicious circle can be broken, and delinquent behaviour, avoided. Whilst locating missing persons, RMPU KE officers try to identify juveniles they believe are at risk. They then interview both the juveniles and their parents, and with the consent of both parties, and in strictest confidence, would recommend counselling by support groups in Kowloon East.

The officers have, therefore, developed an effective referral system involving 21 established counselling agencies. Parents and juveniles also have the option of approaching the support groups directly. The "Don't Get Lost" scheme encourages parents and juveniles to work together to overcome their problems, and engage in healthy cultural and leisure activities.

To combat juvenile drug abuse, RMPU KE is working in close partnership with the Hong Kong Lutheran Social Service Evergreen Centre. Upon discovering a juvenile requiring drug abuse counselling, the officers, with the juvenile and parents' consent, will contact the centre for such a service. It is hoped this intervention can help juveniles kick off their craving for drugs.

During the initial stage of the scheme, the officers called at the Kwun Tong and Wong Tai Sin District Social Welfare Offices to meet counsellors and supporting staff, with the objective of forging mutual understanding. As a result of these visits, co-operation between the Social Welfare Department and RMPU KE was greatly enhanced.

The Officer-in-charge of RMPU KE, Woman Senior Inspector Young Ming-sze, accompanied by her staff, recently called at a number of secondary schools and briefed students of the work of her unit. Her officers also spoke about missing person cases and the consequences of running away from home and associating with undesirable characters.

WSIP Young said she would visit more schools in the region to hammer home the "Don't Get Lost" message. The close partnerships that had been established as a result of the scheme with schools, welfare organisations, and counsellors underscored the importance of "engaging the community" in tackling the problems of youth running away from home.

Kowloon East Operations Wing Superintendent Chan Kwok-kee, said that RMPU KE's scheme would further develop officers' professionalism. He pointed out that the Junior Police Officers attached to RMPU KE are delivering school talks and attending meetings with teachers, welfare officers and counsellors. These jobs would greatly enhance the officers' confidence and public-speaking skills.

Lastly, SP Chan is confident that the "Don't Get Lost" scheme will further reduce the number of missing persons cases and incidents of juvenile delinquency.

An RMPU KE officer reminds students of the consequences of running away from home