PUBLIC ORDER
268
officers are seconded to Hong Kong from British police forces for a period of two years where they undertake full operational duties as divisional commanders. Similarly, superintendents from Hong Kong are seconded to the three participating United King- dom forces.
The scheme has proved to be of great value in terms of experience for those involved, to such an extent that it has been increased in frequency to an annual exercise. This means that at any one time there are 12 officers involved.
Consultation
Liaison between the staff and management continued although since July 1990 the staff associations have declined to attend meetings of the Police Force Council. A Review Committee on Force Consultative Arrangements has been set up to examine the force's present arrangements.
Personnel Branch has an ongoing responsibility for liaising with the Police Sub-- Committee of the Standing Committee on Disciplined Services Salaries and Conditions of Service and its secretariat. In March, force management presented a submission seeking a review of the Police Pay Scale. Subsequently, an announcement in respect of pay scale of the junior police officers cadre was made in September. A further an- nouncement in respect of pay scales of inspectorate officers and above was made in December.
Welfare
The welfare organisation within the force was initiated by the inclusion of a Welfare Fund under the Police Force Ordinance in 1948. An early development, some three years later, was the establishment of a number of primary schools for police children. Other areas covered in those early years were the promotion of force sporting activities and sponsorship of police children's education.
In 1967, two trusts for police children were established with voluntary donations from members of the public and the Royal Hong Kong Jockey Club. Funds from these trusts are regularly committed to assist in the education of children of police officers.
The range of services provided by the Welfare Branch has expanded more rapidly in recent years and this trend has continued.-The branch now offers a wide range of services to all members of the force and their families including personal welfare, catering, sports and recreation, holiday homes, psychological consultation and assistance on retirement.
The Welfare Branch also operates a scheme to arrange bulk purchase of electrical domestic products for sale at discounted prices to members of the force. In addition, the Police Credit Union has maintained an attractive savings scheme with over 13 000 members. Apart from offering loans, the Credit Union benefits have included a hospital- isation allowance, a loan protection scheme and a life savings protection scheme. A Central Fund Scheme, established in 1974, for widows and dependants of deceased junior police officers, has remained popular among junior officers who contribute monthly instalments towards a group insurance coverage.
During the year, social work staff made 5 104 casework visits and conducted 3 946 casework interviews in the four regional welfare offices and three sub-offices. Two Family Life Education programmes were organised on the subject of sex education at home and marital relationships.