environment conducive to higher studies, but the school will continue to embrace other forms of advanced in- struction.
During the year, 174 newly-promoted sergeants com- pleted a four-week course and 33 inspectors underwent a junior command course aimed at inculcation of manage- ment techniques and increased responsibilities at higher rank.
A total of 435 constables in their fifth year of service and 137 in their 10th year returned to the school for refresher
courses.
At higher training level, 24 superintendents and 27 chief inspectors, either newly-promoted or to be promoted, attended command courses at Police Headquarters. Instruc- tion is aimed at preparing officers for command at the mid- level of the Force through the development of knowledge, management skills, concepts and attitudes required of commanders at this level. A wide range of theoretical and practical subjects are covered and a large number of guest lecturers from the senior levels of universities, commerce and industry and Government departments contribute to these successful courses.
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The year also saw the completion of a series of seminars, begun in 1975, for chief superintendents and senior superintendents, aimed at preparing them for command. at the higher levels of the Force. The content of the course is similar to that of the superintendents' command course, adjusted to the needs of senior cadres.
Apart from training within the Force, officers also attend courses overseas and, during the year, 42 officers attended training in the United Kingdom, Canada, the United States and New Zealand. The officers comprised two chief super- intendents, two senior superintendents, 12 superintendents, seven chief inspectors, two senior inspectors, nine in- spectors, two station sergeants, four sergeants and two police constables. The attendance of members of the Rank and File at overseas courses is a relatively recent innovation and is designed to develop potential among officers at this level.
Similarly, officers attend courses organised by the Government Training Division, the universities and other organisations, the latter mainly in the management field.
A police scholarship scheme enables qualified and promising officers to attend degree courses at the Hong Kong University and the Chinese University of Hong Kong. At the end of the year nine officers were attending full time courses at the universities.
A further form of training undertaken by officers from constable to superintendent level is in the field of internal security. This is carried out at the Police Tactical Unit and normally comprises a 13-week intensive course followed by attachments in districts as members of a composite and self-contained company. Since the Police Tactical Unit also has an operational role it is described in more detail later.
Closely inter-related with training are internal develop- ment processes aimed at helping officers to realise their full potential and to prepare them for increased delegated responsibilities, particularly at NCO and junior inspector level. Apart from the comprehensive training programmes already outlined, development processes are also pursued through planned and systematic promotion processes and career planning. Promotion at all levels is gained through
qualifying examinations, continuing reports and annual selection processes. In preparing officers for promotion, assisting them to realise their full potential and ensuring that they are employed in posts appropriate to their ability and aptitude, emphasis is placed on career planning which is co-ordinated by the Career Planning Officer.
In February 1976, a Force working party was established under the chairmanship of the Director of Personnel and Support to review in-service training. Its recommendations form the basis for the current and future training structure, including an increase in in-service training courses.
Last, but not least, in this important field, is the role of the Senior Force Training Officer. He advises the Com- missioner and his staff and the heads of training establish- ments in all matters pertaining to training and development and co-ordinates many of the training, examinations and ments in all matters pertaining to training and development, of Government, in particular the Government Training Division, the universities, external organisations and over- seas forces and bodies in training matters.
Police Cadet School
The Police Cadet School, established in 1973, was described by His Excellency the Governor in his address to the Legislative Council in October as "a great, great success'
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a compliment that is gratifying and reflects well upon the achievements at the school so far. The principal aims of the school are to prepare youths for entry into the Police Force and other disciplined services of the Government, and to provide a source of reasonably well educated, oriented and physically fit young men for recruitment into these services. The syllabus covers two years and comprises 40 per cent academic studies; 40 per cent physical, adventure and
The Police Cadet School provides an increasingly important reservoir of young (and fit, as seen here) talent for the Force.
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