Background
Over the past years, the elderly population in Hong Kong has been increasing. According to the Census and Statistics Department, the percentage of elderly population (aged 65 and above) was 20% in 2021. It is projected that the rise will continue and reach 31% in 2039. In other words, one every three citizens will be an elder citizen.
To address the growing elderly population in local community and policing needs, a number of Police Districts have implemented local initiatives on elderly community relations projects since 2006.
In order to bring forward the elderly projects, the Senior Police Call Scheme (SPC) was implemented in Hong Kong Police in February 2014. A Central Advisory Board comprises experts in elderly services, schools and social leaders was also set up to provide strategic advice on the development of the SPC scheme.
Objectives
- To enhance communication with the elderly through proactive engagement;
- To promote crime prevention by developing fight crime partnership with the elderly;
- To promote personal safety to the elderly through reducing victimization and enhancing road safety awareness; and
- To provide a platform for the elderly to participate in meaningful activities and to serve the community.
Motto
“SPC Spirit Helping Oneself and Others”
SPC Mascot – Master Bean
When Master Bean was a child, like Mini Bean, the mascot of the Junior Police Call, was a young and promising crime-fighting partner. When he grows up, he becomes a master figure of wisdom, who is enthusiastic about social affairs and committed to promoting crime prevention, road safety and anti-elder abuse messages to the elderly, and inviting them to become a crime-fighting partner together.