In 1973, the Hong Kong Police Force introduced the Good Citizen Award Scheme (formerly known as Model Citizen Award Scheme). Artiste Ms Vivian Lai was one of the recipients of the award. In her interview with OffBeat, Ms Lai said her serendipitous bond with the Force actually dates back to her teenage years.

She said, “When I was small, I was not aspiring to be a singer, but a police officer. Back then, there was a Junior Police Call (JPC) Club House in my neighbourhood. I was not old enough to be admitted to the Club, but I was very envious of those JPC members who could form a musical band in the Club. That was why I always begged the staff members stationed there to let me in. During those times, not only did I have a place to listen to music and have fun, I also received a lot of information about fighting and preventing crime.”

On a day in July 1984, Ms Lai, who was 11 years old at the time, was playing badminton in Tai Hing Estate in Tuen Mun. She suddenly saw three teenagers climbing into a kindergarten and crawling out after 10 minutes. Soon after, smoke was coming out from the kindergarten. Ms Lai immediately notified police officers on the streets to summon firefighters to put out the fire, and provided information about the teenagers suspected of committing the arson attack. She said, “I recognised those three persons, as they lived in my neighbourhood. At that moment, I did have hesitation in calling the Police, because I was worried that they would have to go to prison. However, I eventually decided to report the case to the Police.”

Using the information provided, the Police located the three suspected teenage arsonists. After studying the case, the Police decided to give them a second chance, by administering cautions to these juvenile offenders under the Police Superintendent’s Discretion Scheme, instead of prosecuting them. In the following year, Ms Lai received the Model Citizen Award at the age of 12 and was interviewed by the programme Junior Police Call. Ms Lai’s righteousness was fully exemplified in this incident. Although she did not join the Force when she grew up, she has never forgotten her aspiration. After becoming a parent, she has also instilled a sense of justice into her children, hoping to nurture them and help them become righteous individuals.

During the tumultuous times plagued by protests against the extradition law amendment, Ms Lai openly voiced her support for the Police’s law enforcement action numerous times. She said, “I don’t agree with ‘justice lawbreaking’, but I understand that some people’s rationality can be compromised when they are misled or very emotional. As public order has gradually been restored in society, it’s time to right the wrong.”

Ms Lai will attend this year’s Good Citizen Award Presentation Ceremony, hoping to share her own experience to preach righteousness and positivity, as well as encouraging citizens to assist the Police in helping people.