Rolled out in July 2011 under a recommendation of the Force Study Team on Recruitment and Retention of Crime Officers at District Level, the Crime Officer Mentorship Programme saw six mentees with only two years of service complete the Standard Criminal Investigation Course (SCIC) at Police College on April 19. 

The former Chairman of the Force Study Team and founder of the mentorship programme, retired Assistant Commissioner Fan Sik-ming, is pleased to witness the achievements of the mentorship programme.  He thanked a group of enthusiastic and dedicated officers for giving up their own time to help implement the blueprint of recruiting new blood for detective work.

Also impressed by the programme's progress, Assistant Commissioner (Crime) Lo Mung-hung is pleased to see that more young officers are eager to develop a career in the crime stream at an early stage.  He thanks Divisional Commanders for offering mentees opportunities to undertake simple crime investigation work and for nominating them for the SCIC.

The mentees have spoken about how they see their eight-week comprehensive crime investigation training.

Police Constable (PC) Sin Ho-lun from Patrol Sub-Unit 1 of Tsuen Wan District recalled: "I was a bit nervous but excited at the beginning of the course because everything was new to me. Gradually, under the guidance of my mentor and the course instructor, I settled down quickly. The training has equipped me with the necessary knowledge for detective work, ranging from those of handling a crime report to taking out prosecution. I met in classroom some officers working in District Investigation Teams, who readily shared with me the job satisfaction and challenges of crime investigations."

PC Sin's mentor, Sergeant (SGT) Cheung Sing-nin from Sha Tin District Crime Squad, is pleased with his mentee's determination for detective work. "Under the programme, various practical and interactive activities were organised for mentees, during which PC Sin showed a great interest in training. I am very glad that he has pulled through the tough detective training."

PC Wong Chi-shing from Patrol Sub-Unit 1 of Tai Po Division said: "I joined the mentorship programme shortly after completing my foundation training. With the guidance of my mentor, Station Sergeant (SSGT) Ho Tung-suen from Task Force Sub-Unit of Ma On Shan Division, I gained more knowledge of police work, which helped me prepare for the tough detective training.

"I realise that a professional detective should take initiatives and have common sense, logical thinking and imagination.  For instance, while conducting a video-recorded interview, an investigator should have a sober mind and be tactful in questioning, and take into account the circumstances of the case and the suspect's response."

Sharing the joy of the graduating mentees are their Mentors I/C, Superintendent (SP) Chau Hin-hung from Crime Kowloon East Region and Chief Inspector (CIP) Chan Chiu-chin, Pat Heung Divisional Commander. After the launch of the mentorship programme, they had organised a wide variety of activities to provide mentees with the basic knowledge of crime investigations.

SP Chau said: "Witnessing my mentee's graduation from the SCIC is like seeing my own child grow up. Our efforts have not gone down the drain. Mentors also give advice on daily chores, helping their mentees in many ways."

"The programme brings an impetus to crime investigations.  Completion of the SCIC is just the beginning of a mentee's career in the crime stream. For mentees, there are many challenges ahead but all mentors I/Cs and mentors are always prepared to help and support them," said CIP Chan.

Inspired by what the six mentees have achieved in training, a number of other mentees are eager to join the SCIC.  One of them, PC Wan Shu-kei from Patrol Sub-Unit 3 of North Point Division, said: "Crime duties are very demanding but I like the job and is prepared to take up the challenges. Since the day I joined the mentorship programme, my mentor has imparted to me a lot of crime investigation knowledge and experience, and shared with me the job satisfaction and sense of pride of detective work."

The Head Mentor, SP Yuen Suet-fan, is delighted that the mentorship programme has developed from strength to strength, thanks to the efforts of the Mentors I/C and mentors, who help perpetuate the fine tradition of detective work.

"More initiatives will be taken to enhance the professional and personal developments of mentees. Mentors would continue to support and guide them even after their detective training," said SP Yuen.