Balances in Law Enforcement Series XI: Clasps of
Excellence
'Working with heart is most important'
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Criminal investigation has undergone many changes over the past decade or so. Heavy workload, changes in work culture and overtime allowance system, and the rapid technological developments have made crimes and investigation more complex, posing a bigger challenge to criminal investigation. In face of such challenge, Detective Senior Police Constable (DSPC) Ip Hon-ming of Kowloon West Regional Anti-triad Unit observed: "The most important thing is having a heart."
Working with heart
What DSPC Ip means by "heart" is not so simple indeed. With over 20 years of service in criminal investigation, he is still enjoying what he does. The first "heart" he refers to is "working with heart".
"By nature, I am very demanding of myself. I don't want to be a loser. Therefore, I will not give up easily when I come up against changes or difficulties," he said. It is exactly this mentality that has enabled DSPC Ip to embrace changes and rise up to all kinds of challenges. "I keep track of the latest trends in society and the Force and equip myself for making a flexible response to any challenging situation," he added.
Confidence comes from competence
DSPC Ip has a "heart" full of confidence in himself. His confidence comes from his experience, competence and efforts, not from promotion, and his work performances have been good. He has opted out from following the road to promotion but just keeps doing his best. Over the years, he has earned several Commanding Officer's commendations. For him, the biggest sense of achievement is having gained the appreciation and respect of his very demanding superiors.
The "heart" also means "conscience for work". Having worked in criminal investigation for many years, DSPC Ip has come into contact with triad members and witnessed people succumbing to temptations. "One ought to have a clear conscience, so I keep my cool at all times. It is very important to be contented with things as they are," he noted.
For DSPC Ip, conscience also means commitment to a job. It is unwise to 'play safe' in order not to make mistakes. If one always weighs the pros and cons in every situation, one would flinch from, and lose interest in, one's job.
With good superiors and colleagues, DSPC Ip enjoys his job. "When facing changes and pressure, officers would not be afraid of trying to do their best and making mistakes if their superiors show more support and understanding," he noted. "However, support should not be taken for granted; it has to be earned!" he added.
DSPC Ip has accumulated a wealth of work experience during his 27-year service in the Force. He was seconded to Immigration Department to assist in investigating departure and entry records after the 911 incident in U.S. in 2001. He helped the Department of Health track down victims of the SARS outbreak in 2003. He cherished these jobs "because not all jobs can offer such exposure."
PSG Epilogue
DSPC Ip is a good officer "by word of mouth". The word of mouth is always the most genuine appraisal. From him, you would know what is self-confidence, stemming from competence and faith.
You would also know what is balance. He does not give up easily but fights to the end while actually being aware of the restrictions and his own bottom line, and being open and flexible. Talking with him, you would feel his pride. His pride commands your respect. Nevertheless, a strong person also has fragile moments. In recent years, he had health problems that brought him a lot of anxiety. After recovery, he became more open in life.
"I have learned to let go. Police officers are not 'ironman' and may need help from other colleagues and professionals." It takes a wise man to be able to fully accept one's own strengths and weaknesses.