The Research and Inspections Branch (RIB) of Service Quality Wing is responsible for coordinating all general inspection activities as well as conducting due diligence and thematic studies in the Force.

Since 2011, RIB has assumed an additional role as the "Force consultant" for major management issues that involve a number of policy holders and can benefit a wide range of stakeholders. The emphasis is, by providing a platform for all concerned stakeholders, to help them identify the causes of a problem and come up with solutions collaboratively for the continuous improvement of the Force.

The review of Police Stores Services was a collaborative project involving RIB, Stores Management Division (SMDIV), Support Wing (SUP Wing), Personnel Services and Staff Relations Branch (PS&SR) and all frontline formations. A consultancy style approach was adopted for this project, which was completed recently with over 40 solutions being identified for implementation.

The review study started in May last year with a stakeholders meeting involving SMDIV, SUP Wing and PS&SR. The meeting was followed by fact-finding exercises, including visits to formations, Police Stores and a full review of current policies, procedures and work processes concerning acquisition, distribution, collection, exchange, maintenance and care of uniform and accoutrement (U&A) items. A questionnaire survey was also conducted to gauge comments from all user formations. 

A multitude of issues were identified. With the active participation of the stakeholders, solutions were formulated to address the identified issues.  Early-wins were completed in March this year. The significant measures include a pilot delivery service to New Territories North formations during Stores Day, early fitting of uniform for prospective promotees, revision of the issue and replacement quota, a refined appointment system for urgent issue and exchanges and classroom training for officers from formation Support Offices. To strengthen communication with formations, an enquiry hotline has also been installed in Police Stores. SUP Wing and SMDIV will continue to issue Noticeboard messages on current policies and procedures on a regular basis.

Phase One of STORESMAN II was rolled out in June this year. Under Phase One, the inventory level of U&A stores items is now being monitored electronically. This will allow timely stock replenishment and minimise shortage of stock as far as possible. Documents are generated electronically to streamline the process. Officers have the flexibility to return their old items after receiving new ones. It is hoped that those measures would benefit all formations and holistically improve the service quality of Police Stores Services.  A few issues requiring long-term solutions will be implemented with the full rollout of U&A stores items in STORESMAN II by the end of this year.

Key Area and Solution

Procedure: E-requests will be confirmed within 24 hours; have the flexibility to return old U&A items when officers collect their new items in Support Office; early fitting of uniform for prospective promotees

Maintenance & Care: Noticeboard message on caring instructions on a quarterly basis; caring instructions are sewn on U&A items; copy of caring instructions can be obtained from Police Stores

STORESMAN: STORESMAN can keep track of the inventory level of different sizes of common U&A items; documents, including stores vouchers, are generated electronically; photos of items can be uploaded in the system 

Kit List: More informative and user friendly

Police Stores Services: Pilot delivery service to formations on Stores Day; time slots assigned for urgent replacement/issue; revision of the issue and replacement quota; enquiry hotline  and Training for Support Office staff