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Examination Centres in different regions to facilitate participation in the five-year driving re-test.

The Information Technology Training Centre provides high quality user training courses on various major computer systems in the Police Force as well as microcomputer training with a view to enhancing the force's performance and capability. The centre has also developed a number of Computer Based Training modules to promote e-learning and a self-learning culture for all force members. A memorandum of understanding on e-learning was signed by the Hong Kong Police Force and the Singapore Police Force in August. The two police forces will share. e-learning contents, development experience and expertise as well as explore the possibility of joint development of e-learning packages.

The Police Force is also aiming to play a more active role in police training in the international arena. Following its success in chairing the Interpol's 14th Symposium for Heads of Police Colleges held at the Interpol headquarters in Lyon, France, in December 2002, where around 100 delegates from 47 countries all over the world attended, the Police Force has been invited to co-host the 15th Symposium to be held in Hong Kong in early 2005. For the first time, the Police Force was also invited to give a presentation to the Interpol General Assembly, which was held in Spain in October.

Recruitment

There were 2 414 applications for Inspectorate posts in 2003, compared with 1 822 in 2002. Of the 17 officers who were appointed as Inspectors, two were serving officers promoted from within the ranks. Recruitment at the Constable rank remained satisfactory with 400 recruits out of 5 108 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.

Welfare officers conducted casework interviews and visited officers in need of welfare counselling and support. Welfare loans and grants were provided to help needy officers and their families. Resettlement courses and job placement services were provided to retiring officers. Grants were offered to encourage officers to take job-related academic courses after work. Family Life Education Programmes and Support Groups are organised to enhance relationship and problem-solving in police. families.

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The Police Healthy Lifestyle Working Committee continued to promote activities in prudent financial management, and physical and mental well-being. Under the Healthy Lifestyle Initiatives, volunteerism was promoted among police and civilian officers. Hundreds of officers responded to the appeal and registered themselves and their family members as volunteers with the Police Volunteer Services Corps. The

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