Police-1962-1963 — Page 53

PART VII

WELFARE AND RECREATION

GENERAL

232. On 23rd May, 1962 the post of Force Welfare Officer was filled by a three-year contract appointment. The Force Welfare Officer is responsible for advising on the welfare of the Rank and File and their families. He is in charge of the Welfare Section, a part of Police Head- quarters, which deals with loans and grants, police schools, pensioners, assistance to police widows and orphans, welfare equipment, sports and other entertainments. Where necessary he advises and assists in the settlement of matrimonial disputes and gives other types of assistance. 233. During the year progress has been made, particularly in the field of education.

POLICE WELFARE FUND

234. This fund is established under the Police Force Ordinance and is controlled by the Commissioner to provide loans and, in cases of special distress, grants for serving or retired police officers in need of assistance. In addition the Fund is used to purchase equipment and services for the general welfare and advantage of police officers without charge to the public revenue. The Fund's sources of revenue are dis- ciplinary fines or forfeits inflicted on police officers, the hire of police officers and donations or voluntary contributions.

235. 799 applications for loans were received and of these 689 had been approved by the end of the year. The majority of these applica- tions, as in past years, arose from marriage, maternity, funerals, medical expenses and convalescence, expenses of schooling, clothing, furniture, house repairs, fire and typhoon damage and sewing machines. Six widows of police officers were given $3,000 each from the Fund.

236. In addition to payments made as a result of these applications each branch and division is allocated a sum from the Fund which is used for unit entertainment and recreation. The accounts of the Fund are at Appendix 30.

WELFARE COMMITTEES

237. Unit Welfare Committees provide a channel of information on welfare and messing. Matters which cannot be dealt with at divisional level are forwarded to the Welfare Section.

39