One summer morning, the sun heated up the ground when the day had just begun. Yet, somewhere in a corner, some people were "huddling in bitter cold". It was the home where a tragedy occurred. A mother killed her baby girl out of deep affection, rendering the father heartbroken. In face of such an emotional scene, the emotional quotients of the police officers at the scene were put to the test as how well they could put aside their personal feelings while executing their duties professionally. The following is the story of the experience of an Emergency Unit (EU) team.
Urgent call before shift ends
One morning in August, the EU officers were exhausted after working the night shift for one whole week. As the time for changing shift drew closer, they started thinking of their cosy beds.
Suddenly, the Regional Commander and Control Centre called in: "A baby has plunged from height". The EU car Sergeant, without waiting for more information, immediately asked the driver to dash to the scene.
Little baby in tragedy
It was a horrifying sight at the scene, where ambulance men were trying to save a dying baby girl. Everyone could not help thinking: "Is it an accident? If not, has someone been cold-blooded to ruin a little life?"
To find out the truth, the EU officers cordoned off the scene, assisted in the rescue and carried out investigation. Finally, with information provided by a security guard and a resident, the officers rushed to the flat where the incident occurred.
Affection turns tragedy
Inside the flat were the parents of the baby girl. The father, aged about 50, was heartbroken and nearly collapsed. The mother, of a younger age, alternated between laughter and tears with emptiness in her eyes. The other family members living in the flat were apparently struck by grief. Preliminary investigation showed the mother was suffering from schizophrenia and always suspected that someone was going to hurt her daughter. That morning, she threw her baby girl down from the corridor outside her unit while her husband was asleep, hoping to save her baby from threats. The tragedy basically stemmed from the mother's deep affection for her daughter.
Sound emotions conducive to capability
Some officers consider the things they do every day as acts of goodwill and in the best interests of others. As police officers, we always have to remind ourselves to put aside our negative feelings and even turn them into positive thinking by leading a healthy lifestyle. In doing so, our minds will be better prepared for handling similar tragedies.
Apart from consoling the people involved in the incident, the EU officers continued to find out more information of the incident, controlling their emotions at the scene. When making enquiries from the people involved, the officers first liaised with officers from other government departments in order to avoid unnecessary repetition of the tragic experience by the people. They strived to bring to the people the message that "The police are coming to help". They also ensured what they said would not aggravate their pain.
Helping others and self-help
Handling a tragic incident is merely part of our job. Officers have to strike a balance between law enforcement and personal sentiments. They should understand that thinking positively, rendering assistance and considering others' feelings are the effective ways to help relieve the emotions of the people involved in an incident. These are also the ways with which they can execute their duties in a professional manner.
(This article is contributed by SGT Lam Yiu-kwan, PC Ha Tsz-him and PC Lam Hon-fai of No. 1 PLN EU KW)
