PUBLIC ORDER
aim of improving public relations and reducing conflict situations. A Complaints Prevention Committee, made up of various ranks in the Force, was formed in 1992 to recommend on how complaints may be prevented and how its recommendations may best be implemented. The first Courteous Police Officers Selection Scheme was introduced to foster a culture of courtesy and tactfulness. It was completed in February 1996 and the results were encouraging.
In close consultation with IPCC, the CAPO introduced a range of measures to further enhance the transparency and fairness of the existing complaints system. These included the installation of closed circuit televisions, video or tape-recording facilities in CAPO report rooms, as well as interview rooms; a scheme for IPCC members to interview witnesses; a scheme for IPCC members to observe CAPO investigations and enhanced publicity on the monitoring role of IPCC. In addition, a comparative study of complaints systems in other jurisdictions and an independent review of CAPO investigation procedures, IPCC's monitoring mechanisms and interface with CAPO were carried out. This produced some 50 recommendations for improving the complaints system. By the end of 1996, 22 recommendations had been implemented and the implementation of other recommendations was under way.
Civilian Staff
Civilians play a vital role in the Force and have a wide variety of functional duties to complement the work of the disciplined staff. Regular reviews are conducted to identify posts currently occupied by disciplined officers for civilianisation in order to release the disciplined staff for constabulary duties. The civilian establishment in the Force consists of 58 different grades, 30 of which are General Grades providing executive, accounting, clerical, secretarial and other general support for the administrative functions of all formations. The rest includes professionals, supplies staff, interpreters, communications and computer specialists, armourers, traffic wardens, cooks and workmen.
Training
Most training is designed and provided by the Force using its own resources, and when necessary, overseas training is also available. Newly-recruited constables and inspectors attend a 27-week and a 36-week residential course, respectively, at the Police Training School at Wong Chuk Hang, an 18-hectare, purpose-built campus. All trainees are instructed in foot drill, firearms, physical fitness, swimming and lifesaving, self defence and first aid, and are required to reach similar standards regardless of rank. They also receive training for tactics in potentially dangerous situations, which includes instruction in various strategies and the use of physical and firearms defensive skills. They must also study criminal law, police and court procedures as well as social matters. Inspectors are required to demonstrate wider knowledge on these subjects. They also study management topics and their leadership and supervisory skills are developed throughout the initial training course.
After initial training, constables carry out duties under a tutor and attend a day of instruction per month during the first two years of their service, while inspectors receive familiarisation training on-the-job and attend a further two-week training course in their fifteenth month of service. Most officers are sent to the Police Tactical Unit in their second or third year of service where they are taught internal security
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