ENG-2001 — Page 400

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PUBLIC ORDER

The Police Training School also assists the Labour Department, the Education Department and the Social Welfare Department in running youth training programmes to help teenagers develop their confidence, discipline, interpersonal skills and leadership potential.

In formulating staff training strategies of the Police Force, the Training Development Bureau pays particular consideration to the needs of both internal and external customers. To ensure that more professional services are provided to the community, the bureau developed and delivered a series of service improvement courses and training packages for front-line officers. Furthermore, the bureau also organises workshops on English and Chinese writing, Putonghua and First Aid Training; and provides relevant and up-to-date reference materials to prepare officers for examinations relating to the performance of constabulary duties. A number of the examinations and training courses provided are accredited by universities, which paves the way for further learning.

The Higher Training Division provides management courses for inspectors and senior inspectors who have four to seven years' service, and newly promoted chief inspectors and superintendents. These courses are designed to enhance officers' managerial skills by examining current issues, international best practice, individual skills and techniques for self-development.

The Weapons Training Division provides training to police officers on the use of force, firearms and tactics training for officers. The methodologies and technologies adopted by the Police Force are in line with international standards. During the year, study groups and delegations from other law enforcement agencies in the Mainland and South-East Asia visited the Police Force with a view to re-engineering their own training courses.

The Detective Training School was relocated in July to the Police Training School. The school provides specialist training in a variety of tasks for criminal investigative duties. These include criminal investigation, Special Duty (drugs, vice and gambling) Squad training, interview development training, managing undercover operations, testifying on gambling practices in court and triad courses. Various computer-based training packages have been developed to facilitate training.

The Police Driving School provides driving training to officers on a variety of motor vehicles. All police drivers are required to undergo thorough training in defensive driving techniques that take into account operational needs without compromising safety. During the year, the school placed greater emphasis on driver attitude and education, rather than purely skills-based instruction. A comprehensive test and revalidation licensing process seeks to ensure that all police drivers demonstrate a safe and courteous example on the roads.

In 2001, the Information Technology Training Centre continued to play an important role in the provision of user training courses on the Police Force's major computer systems and general information technology applications. The centre continually reviews and updates training syllabi to ensure that the training needs of force members are met.

Recruitment

There were 1 909 applications for Inspectorate posts in 2001, compared with 1 640 in 2000. Of the 28 officers who were appointed as Inspectors, 11 were serving officers