Cheng, Lam and Chiu rewarded by ACP Horner for their innovative ideas which are being implemented by the Force

"Since the inception of this scheme we have received over 480 suggestions with the numbers increasing yearly," said ACP Horner. "Since January we have received 87 suggestions, well in excess of the total for the whole of our first year. To date, we have presented 54 gold and eight silver awards -Ð a reflection of the imagination, enthusiasm and commitment on the part of our colleagues."

Continued the ACP: "It is my honour, on behalf of the Commissioner, to present certificates and cash awards to these officers in recognition of their contribution to the scheme. Their suggestions have been highly regarded by the Major Formation Commanders, and I congratulate them all on their achievement."

"I would also like to thank those officers who made meaningful suggestions, which for one reason or another the Force is unable to implement. I look forward to receiving more contributions from you and other members of the Force and to future presentation ceremonies," he said.

The winners were SIP Regional Crime Unit KW Cheng Tak-ming who made 14 suggestions to improve the handling of High Court trials. ACP Training considered these suggestions useful enough to brief their officers attending the Standard Criminal Investigation Course. Cheng's suggestions will also be incorporated into background material for the review of Detective Training School investigation training.

ACP Crime and ACP Support have accepted four of his suggestions. They are: plea bargaining procedures and authority should be clearly defined and established; If a review of sentence is considered by the police, the Formation Commander should address the Attorney-General in writing as soon as possible, and it should not be necessary to wait for the return of the duplicate case file from the prosecuting counsel; a thank you letter to civilian witnesses who have given evidence for the Crown should be introduced; and, a better exhibit container should be issued.

Mr Cheng received a goods certificate and a cash award of $4,000.

WCIP (Adm) NTS Lam Kwok-chu submitted a study paper on the current scope of duties/responsibilities of officers involved in death enquiries. She made a number of suggestions aiming to improve on the procedures of death enquiry. They included the design of a proforma statement for officers who escorted the body and attended the subsequent body identification at the public mortuary; that an anatomical diagram for officers who attended the scene where a dead body was found to mark the position of wound(s) be provided; the preparation of an action proforma for officers who search and take possession of properties carried by the deceased; the provision of a clear, in-house Force policy on whether consent is required in obtaining medical history of the deceased in cases where the coroner has directed the police to make enquiry into the cause of the death; and to standardise the reply to insurance agencies with a proforma letter.

These suggestions have been accepted by ACP Support and a working group has been set up comprising a cross-section of experienced MESUCs with a view to implementing them.

Ms Lam received a gold certificate and a cash award of $1,000.

Sergeant PTU X Company Chiu Wai-ping suggested that a shirt grip (plastic securing tape) be added onto the trousers of winter working dress in order to prevent the shirt from slipping out.

This suggestion has been accepted by ACP Support. It will be included in the uniform specifications for the coming year's contract. Mr Chiu received a gold certificate and a cash award of $500.

Chief Inspector DOO Central District P D G Hodson suggested that information leaflets on death enquiry information such as the police role in death enquiry, the areas of responsibilities of the Coroner, and practical advice on burial matters be provided to the next of kin. This suggestion has been accepted by ACP Support and implementation is underway.

Mr Hodson received a gold certificate and a cash award of $500.