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STDIST and APTDIST
In November 2020, officers from the District Investigation Teams (DITs) of Shatin District (STDIST) and Airport District (APTDIST) responded to a bomb hoax report and promptly arrested a man upon investigation. During the inquiry, the officers learnt that the man suffered from autism since birth and committed the offence out of impulse. The officers not only handled the case impartially, but also showed empathy and understanding towards the arrestee and his family for the anxiety they faced during the investigation. The man was later convicted and placed on a probation order. The arrestee’s father subsequently wrote an appreciation letter to express his gratitude to the officers for their professionalism. Commissioner Siu Chak-yee also paid a visit to the Shatin Police Station to present complimentary letters to the officers concerned.
The officers were grateful for the recognition from the arrestee’s father. Their professional, sensible and reasonable manner in handling the case not only embodied the Force’s values but also enhanced public recognition of police work, thus promoting good police-community relations and increasing the public’s understanding that the Hong Kong Police Force is a trustworthy and professional team.
An extract from the appreciation letter:
The officers were highly professional in handling the case. They understood that members of the public could become panic-stricken in the face of investigation and the follow-up procedures. The officers immediately contacted me after the incident, and I was told that keeping my son’s company should take top priority. They not only comforted me but also spent time to find out about my son’s background. They actively followed up on the case over the course of a few months and I was impressed by their professionalism. They showed empathy for us during the investigation while enforcing the law in a reasonable and considerate manner. I would like to commend the officers concerned and thank them for handling the case in such a caring and understanding way.
WCHDIV
On July 27, a seven-year-old boy Chun (pseudonym) had a dispute with his classmates in class, and eventually his teacher, parents and police officers became involved in handling the incident. Upon arriving at the school, Police Constables of Patrol Sub-unit 2 of Wan Chai Division (WCHDIV) Wong Po-lun, Cheung Wing-shun and Ho Chun-wing noticed that Chun was dispirited. To prevent Chun’s emotions from being further affected, the officers brought him to a police car and patiently comforted him. A while later, the officers obtained the details of the incident from Chun and handled the case successfully.
A week after the incident, Chun’s mother sent an appreciation letter and a drawing by Chun to the Wan Chai Police Station. Chun expressed that the Police had established a trustworthy image in his heart and helped him rebuild his confidence, so it has become his goal to serve as a police officer when he grows up.
As Chun wished to visit the police station to thank the officers for their assistance, the Police Community Relations Office of Wan Chai District (WCHDIST) arranged for Chun and his family to visit the police station and the Police Headquarters on August 27. During the visit, Acting Deputy District Commander of WCHDIST Tsang Fan-hon shared his childhood story of how the positive image of the Police had inspired him to become a police officer. He also encouraged Chun and his brother to join the Force when they grow up. While the family was visiting the Police Headquarters, they met Commissioner Siu Chak-yee by chance. The Commissioner chatted with the family and took photographs with them.
Handling disputes is ordinary police work, but as long as officers put themselves in the shoes of citizens and do their utmost to offer assistance, they will demonstrate the positive image of the Force and their dedication to serving the public.
