ENG-2002 — Page 389

PUBLIC ORDER

The Detective Training School pays particular attention to skills in interviewing, communication, taking statements, giving evidence and crime management. Laws and procedures are taught through case study.

With the increasing demand in driver training, a significant review of courses has been conducted by the Police Driving School with a view to increasing training productivity without compromising driving safety and standards. In meeting the operational needs of traffic policing, a motorcycle replacement exercise has been carried out, and the Police Driving School provided familiarisation training for front-line traffic police officers.

The Information Technology Training Centre continues to play an important role in the provision of user training courses on major computer systems in the Police Force and outsourcing various aspects of microcomputer training with a view to enhancing officers' knowledge of information technology and its application.

Recruitment

There were 1 822 applications for Inspectorate posts in 2002, compared with 1 909 in 2001. Of the 25 officers who were appointed as Inspectors, six were serving officers promoted from within the ranks. Recruitment at the Constable rank remained satisfactory with 618 recruits out of 4 128 applicants.

Welfare

The Personnel Services Branch provides a wide range of support services in the areas of personal and family welfare, illness, financial protection, bursaries and scholarships for children, psychological consultations, assistance with retirement, sport, recreation, catering and the allocation and maintenance of departmental quarters. During the year, the major sources of funding for most welfare activities in the Police Force were the Police Welfare Fund, the Police Children's Education Trust and the Police Education and Welfare Trust, which were established with funds from public donations. A new medical scholarship was established with the generous donation of a philanthropist for a child of a police officer to be admitted to a university medical school. The Mainland and Overseas Summer Course Sponsorship Scheme was opened up to more children of Junior and Inspectorate officers, and greater parental choice with regard to courses, dates and destinations.

Welfare officers conducted casework interviews and visited officers in need of welfare advice and support. Loan and grant services were provided to help needy officers and their families. Resettlement courses and job placement services were provided to retiring officers.

The Police Healthy Lifestyle Working Committee continued to promote activities in financial prudence, and physical and mental well-being. Under the Healthy Lifestyle Initiatives, volunteerism was promoted among police and civilian officers.

The Psychological Services Group provides counselling services for officers and their immediate family members. The group also promotes peer support among force members.

Force Housing

Some 13 000 departmental quarters were maintained by the Police Force to house different ranks of officers. Apart from quarters, there were also various civil service housing benefits schemes available for serving officers to join, subject to their meeting

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