Balances in Law Enforcement Series X:
'Post-80s' officer speaks his mind
In this issue of OffBeat, Psychological Services Group (PSG) starts a new series of "Balances in Law Enforcement" with a theme of "Post-80s' Letters to Family". PSG has invited some police officers, who belong to the post-80 generation, to share with readers, through the format of a letter to their family, their experiences or learning at work and in life so as to enable readers to better understand the younger colleagues.
The following is Senior Inspector Wilfred Wong Ho-hon's letter to his father.
Dearest Dad,
Time really flies and it is now more than seven years since you encouraged me to join the Force, to follow in your footsteps. I am more dedicated to my profession than ever. Looking back, I owe you a big 'thank you' for your encouragement.
Although you still regard me as a child, you did concede that I have matured. Well, given the diverse and sophisticated nature of police work, one has to get what makes a contemporary police officer. I still remember the chaotic situation during the Hong Kong Ministerial Conference in 2005, where I almost failed as a commander. Before each and every decision was made, there were many things that needed to be considered: uncertainties, time constraints, safety of my platoon, and impulsive members. Keeping a cool head and making a precise decision was easier-said-than-done, but was exactly what required of a commander. From that experience, I appreciated that blind courage is nothing more than foolhardiness, which is unworthy of a professional police officer. One of the teachings of my former Police Training School Commandant is very true: 'we take risks, but only calculated risks'. To follow his teachings requires big wisdom.
Another profound experience was disaster victim identification duty during the tsunami that struck the Asian coastal region in 2004. When I learned you were appointed to lead the Force delegation, I knew destiny had drawn us together, and it turned out to be a journey that I would never forget. I was stunned by the devastation in Thailand and astounded by the power of nature. Can you remember the wreckage of a launch washed to the hillside several hundred metres from the shore, and the blood handprints on the ceiling of a bungalow? These images still haunt me from time to time. Now that I am a few years older, I know why these recollections kept haunting me: life is so vulnerable and in time of vulnerability police assistance is most needed. I am more convinced than ever about the importance of our police services, and about commitment to serve the community, especially those in need.
The recent media hype on the 'Post 80s' has stirred up a few debates. Born in 1980, I could also be regarded as a 'Post 80s'. However, I don't see the 'Post 80s' as something special, a phenomenon or extreme. Impulsive youth taking to the streets to fight for their aspiration happened from time to time. My first official encounter with the 'Post 80s' was during the Queen's Pier clearance operation in 2007. I was a negotiator trying to defuse the situation, whilst they were fighting for preservation of the pier. To a certain degree, we are just like each other, actively pursuing our goal, and trying to make our dream come true. It was only in the context of Queen's Pier that we stood in different positions and used different means to achieve our respective goals. I must stress the chosen means have to be reasonable and law abiding. There are an increasing number of 'Post 80s' within the Force, and I sincerely hope that, in today's rapidly changing environment, our 'Post 80s' can adhere to the Force's values and professionalism, and prove their worth to society.
After all these years, I now fully appreciate your stress and difficulties brought about by work, and your devotion to duties. You have given me a lot of freedom to develop my career. Nevertheless, being your son, it is inevitable that pressure is immense. I always do my very best with a view to proving my credentials. Your leadership, competency and good character are only a few of your qualities that I hope to emulate one day. I know that deep in your heart, you hope when people mention about us in the future, they would no longer address me as Wong Jr. but rather address you as 'Wilfred's Dad'.
Wilfred
Wilfred
is grateful for his dad's encouragement and advice