Knowledge Cafe looks into Mainland Policing
Since 1997, exchanges and contacts between Hong Kong and the Mainland have become increasingly frequent. In fighting cross-boundary crime, the Force has been co-operating with Mainland public security agencies on various fronts such as criminal investigation, intelligence exchange and tactical training.
Superintendent Eric Cheng, a Knowledge Management Champion, points out that given the frequency of contacts with Mainland public security officials nowadays, it is advisable for Force members to have a good knowledge of the policing practices on the Mainland as well as the work culture of Mainland public security agencies. In view of this, Research Centre of the Police College, Force Knowledge Management Peer Advisers Scheme Administration Team and Liaison Bureau (LB) organised a Knowledge Cafe on Mainland Policing on March 16, when LB Senior Superintendent (SSP) Chris Tang shared with the participants his practical experience in this respect.
In this 10th Knowledge Cafe session, SSP Tang pointed out that besides a good grasp of the structure and work culture of Mainland public security agencies, Force members should also pay more attention to the protocol, procedures and code of practice in cross-boundary criminal investigation. He elaborated on his experiences about crime that happened outside Hong Kong, duty visits to the Mainland, mutual legal assistance, surrender of fugitives and protocol in receiving Mainland public security officials. He introduced LB's "Protocol Guide" for receiving Mainland public security officials, which covers preparation work, reception protocol, choice and set-up of venues, and banqueting arrangements. The guide is available on LB's website on POINT.
Strategies to foster relationships
SSP Tang went on to remind the participants that when requesting for assistance for a cross-boundary criminal investigation, the officer-in-charge of the case has to give due consideration to the legality, rationality and specificity of the request so that the principles governing exercise of constabulary power would not be compromised. He also cited examples to illustrate his points.
In conclusion, SSP Tang emphasised that mutual respect, understanding and consideration are the best strategies to foster close relationships with police forces of different jurisdictions.
The
topics
discussed
at the Knowledge Cafe meet the needs of many officers