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The Force Working Group on Community Engagement (FWG) held the third half-yearly meeting with chairpersons of school heads associations in the Kowloon East Regional Headquarters on March 9. Hosted by Deputy Commissioner (Operations) (DCP OPS) Siu Chak-yee and Director of Operations Kwok Yam-yung, the event drew over 20 principals from 17 Districts, with the attendance of officers of the Crime Wing Headquarters and Police Public Relations Branch, as well as Commanders/Deputy Commanders of all police districts.
Concerted effort in child protection
In a presentation by Chief Superintendent of the Crime Wing Headquarters Chung Wing-man, all participants were apprised of the overall crime situation in 2020 with particular emphasis on crime with young people being the victims. The rising trend of substance abuse due to the proliferation of online drug sale, among other reasons, was also brought to the attention of the participants.
Furthermore, Chief Inspector of Family Conflict and Sexual Violence Policy Unit (FCSV) Cheung Po-yuet gave a presentation about sexual crimes and naked chats targeting young victims. Most principals were alarmed by the new modus operandi of sexual predators, and were thus reminded to pay attention to youngsters’ usage of social media and mobile games.
During the open floor discussion, principals and police officers had a frank exchange on how to foster mutual trust and establish rapport in sustainable terms. Several principals suggested that the Police should produce electronic learning packages and teaching materials for schools to educate students about the latest crime trends and cultivate law-abiding awareness. Riding on the advice of principals, the FWG disseminated the presentation materials of FCSV to all school heads and chairpersons of Federations of Parent-teacher Associations after the meeting.
Hand in hand with change agents
“I would like to express my gratitude to all principals for supporting our work. It’s a joint effort between schools and the Police, who both share the common goal of protecting our young people and creating a safe learning environment. We hope to strengthen our communication with principals, teachers and parents, especially when schools reopen,” DCP OPS said and encouraged all principals to share the positive message from the Police with their fellow educators. He mentioned that District management would maintain regular liaison with schools and the Parent-Teacher Associations all year round.
Several principals expressed appreciation for the Police’s ongoing publicity efforts in crime prevention and child protection. After the meeting, they visited an exhibition showcasing publicity materials created by Police Community Relations Offices and were given a guided tour of the New Generation Report Room, including the detention facilities of Ngau Tau Kok Division.
