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The Force has all along supported the government’s anti-epidemic work, and facilitated media coverage of different operations at scene. To cope with the surging demand arising from compulsory testing for COVID-19 in the specified restricted areas, the secretariat of the Force Media Liaison Cadre (FMLC) is proactive in conducting situation assessment and deploys members to different restricted areas when necessary, so as to assist frontline officers in facilitating news reporting by the media without jeopardising the efficiency of police operations.
In view of the growing opportunities to work with the media, the secretariat organised a series of media-related training for various units in the past year, covering topics such as media ecology, police public relations and media relations strategies, and techniques of holding media stand-ups, with a view to strengthening officers’ capabilities in responding to media enquiries and conveying information about investigations or major incidents in a timely and accurate manner. In addition, FMLC members also participated in various public event exercises of Regional Response Contingents or the Operations Wing to enhance the interoperability between FMLC and other units.
As an endeavour to enhance the professional capabilities of FMLC members, the secretariat also arranges annual qualifying training to ensure that the members receive professional training on media handling and acquire the appointment qualifications of FMLC. The secretariat collaborated with Hong Kong University School of Professional and Continuing Education to conduct training for over 300 cadre members via video conferences on February 8 and 9 and March 1 and 2. The instructors shared the skills of handling public relations crises, conflict management and dispute mediation. The secretariat also invited a Senior News Reporter for experience sharing in the training, to deepen FMLC members’ understanding of the work of frontline reporters and enhance their capabilities as a bridge between the Force and the media.
