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Force Working Group meets with school heads of 18 districts
Since June last year, Hong Kong has been plagued by the social unrest arising from the “extradition bill saga”, which has deepened divisions in society. In an effort to spearhead initiatives to re-engage with the community, Deputy Commissioner (Operations) (DCP OPS) Siu Chak-yee has met with various social groups and professional bodies to collect views since December 2019 and established the Force Working Group on Community Engagement at his helm in March 2020. While Director of Operations Kwok Yam-yung serves as the vice-chairman, the membership of the Working Group consists of Assistant Commissioner (Crime), Assistant Commissioner (Support), six Regional Commanders, Chief Superintendents of Crime Wing Headquarters and Police Public Relations Branch, and Commanding Officer of Police Negotiation Cadre.
The Working Group has so far organised over 10 consultation meetings with principals, teachers, parents, social workers, lawyers, District Fight Crime Committees, and community leaders. Half-yearly meetings with the Chairpersons of Association of Secondary School Heads / Association of Joint School Heads / Schools Liaison Committee as well as Federations of Parent-Teacher Associations, all of 18 districts, have been formalised as a positive outcome of the consultation.
After the first meeting with the school heads in January, the Working Group held the second meeting in Hung Hom Police Station on July 15. Prior to the meeting, the principals were arranged to visit a temporary holding area (THA) and participated in a “Shall We Talk” forum to learn about the Force’s post-arrest procedures and policies to safeguard the rights and well-being of the arrested persons, including the underage. The visit to the THA aimed to enhance the transparency of Police work.
Working with change agents
“It’s a concerted effort between schools and the Police. We share the same goal of protecting our youths and providing them a safe learning environment. Let us instil sound values in our young generation and keep them on the straight and narrow. They should think twice before they act, and reflect on how their acts will affect not just themselves, but also their families and friends if they are sent to imprisonment,” DCP OPS said during the meeting in the hope that the principals would share the positive message from the Police with their fellow principals and teachers.
At the end of the meeting, multiple principals hailed the event as very meaningful and rewarding since they had acquired a better understanding about the Force’s post-arrest procedures and had their queries addressed in the question and answer session. Some principals also commented that the event was inspiring and thought-provoking, expressing strong support for the Force to steer the youth back on the right track.
