PUBLIC ORDER
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to practise research techniques, and operational and strategic planning. This is achieved through lectures and discussions with senior police officers, academics and members of the Legislative Council. Visits to commercial and industrial organisations are arranged. The emphasis is on researching and solving contemporary management problems affecting diverse areas of the police force.
Promotion training for junior police officers takes place as soon as possible, after an officer's promotion, at the Police Training School. The instruction is designed to equip officers with the management and decision-making skills necessary for their new ranks.
At the Detective Training School, courses at standard and advanced levels are conducted to improve the standard of criminal investigation throughout the Force. A number of specialised courses are also run there, including an 11-day training course for officers who may be required to deal with victims of sexual assault and child abuse.
Throughout the year, emphasis continued to be placed on weapons training. All male officers were trained to use the new type of revolver, ammunition and associated equipment before these items were introduced for normal duty study. Further training was provided to front-line officers to induce greater awareness of shooting tactics on the street.
Following the trampling disaster in Lan Kwai Fong on January 1, plans are in place to upgrade the level of First Aid Refresher Training given and to make supervisory officers more aware of crowd psychology.
Promotions
Promotion prospects in the Force remained good at most levels. During the year, a total of 40 officers were promoted to the rank of senior superintendent of police and above, 31 chief inspectors advanced to superintendent, 60 senior inspectors to chief inspector, 104 sergeants to station sergeant and 367 constables to sergeant. In addition, 10 exceptionally experienced station sergeants advanced to the rank of inspector.
Overall, 267 officers retired from the Force, 31 officers were invalided, 530 resigned, six were compulsorily retired and 33 were either dismissed or had their services terminated in 1993.
Awards
A total of 882 officers were awarded the Colonial Police Long Service Medal after 18 years of continuous police service; 366 officers were awarded the 1st Clasp to the Medal after 25 years' service and another 292 officers were awarded the 2nd Clasp after 30 years' service. In addition, four officers were awarded the Queen's Police Medal for Distinguished Service and 27 officers the Colonial Police Medal for Meritorious Service. Three officers received the Queen's Gallantry Medal and four officers were awarded His Excellency the Governor's Commendation.
Welfare
The Welfare Branch provides a wide range of services, including personal welfare, psychological consultation, assistance on retirement, catering, and sports and recreation for all members of the force and their families.
During the year, social work staff conducted 3 605 casework interviews in the five regional welfare offices and the two sub-offices, and made 6 352 casework visits to sick officers and family members of officers in hospital, places of work or their home.