PUBLIC ORDER
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hotline for CAPO was introduced in June to supply complaint forms by facsimile to members of the public.
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. A new performance management system based on the core-competence concept was launched for the Police Communications Officer Grade in 1997, in keeping with the Force's strive for excellence.
Training
To help officers at all levels carry out the broad range of police functions as efficiently, effectively and economically as possible, training focused on developing their knowledge, skills and confidence. Considerable emphasis is being placed on developing a more customer-oriented training philosophy and on cultivating a strong learning ethos in which officers can fully develop and enhance their professional abilities.
Most police training is designed and provided by the Force on its own resources, plus appropriate local vocational and overseas training. All newly recruited Constables and Inspectors must attend a 27-week and a 36-week residential course, respectively, at the Police Training School in Wong Chuk Hang.
Training for male and female officers is now fully integrated with women recruits being trained in the use of firearms. Training related to juveniles, previously restricted to women recruits, is applied to all now.
After basic training, Constables carry out duties under a tutor for two weeks and attend a day of instruction each 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 roles and where inspectors' leadership and management skills are further developed.
The promotion and continuation courses for Sergeants were reviewed and revised during 1997. Training is now aimed at teaching and enhancing management skills, with particular emphasis placed on furthering the Force Values and Common Purpose. Similarly, the syllabus of the Probationary Inspector training course is undergoing a systematic review. The review included not only the updating of legal knowledge, police practice and procedures but also incorporating new management initiatives and emphasising the practical aspects of community policing and law enforcement.
It is the Force policy to encourage officers to undertake local training courses and private studies to enhance their professional knowledge and skills. Much emphasis is also placed on English and Putonghua language training. Assistance in the form of financial reimbursement is available as an incentive. The Force offers language training courses to officers in conjunction with the Civil Service Training and Development Institute. A total of $7.18 million was available in the financial year