THE existence of debts among Force members is in itself not a cause for concern. It becomes a problem, however, when debts become unmanageable or are obtained from illegitimate or unauthorised sources.

"Considering our Force comprises some 27,000 police officers, there is a very small minority of officers who are in the realm of unmanageable debt," said Acting Director of Personnel and Training, Ng Wai-kit. "There has been significant improvement in the general situation of police indebtedness during the past four years - especially in the number of unmanageable debt cases. Despite the sustained improvement, we are not complacent and continue to monitor the effectiveness of the various measures to tackle this problem."

There are many effective preventive and remedial measures. The launch of the Healthy Lifestyle Campaign promotes a positive lifestyle among officers with emphasis on physical fitness, financial prudence, and mental well-being. Financial management and indebtedness awareness training have been introduced to new recruits at the Police Training School as well as serving officers.

There are also publicity and educational programmes which promote the virtue of thrift. Various sports, recreational and cultural activities are regularly organised to facilitate and encourage Force members to spend their pastime in a meaningful, relaxing and healthy manner.

Force Management conducts regular surveys on police indebtedness. Officers identified with unmanageable debts are regularly interviewed by their Formation Commanders and DSROs with a view to assisting them to overcome the problem. If necessary, the Regional Welfare Officers and the Force Clinical Psychologists are called upon to assist.

Since 1996, the Force Psychological Services Group has organised seven special stress management workshops for officers with unmanageable debts with around 70 officers attending. The workshop aims at helping officers to manage their stress arising from indebtedness and to motivate them to turn over a new and prudent leaf.

The Police Welfare Fund is established to provide general welfare loans to serving and retired police officers who are in need of extra cash for legitimate purposes. There are also provisions in the Civil Service Regulations which allow officers to advance their salaries. DSROs and the Regional Welfare Officers are all familiar with the procedures in applying for these loans and advances. They also have the experience and knowledge in offering sound financial advice tailor-made to an individual officer's need.

In the past, there were many cases in which Regional Welfare Officers helped police officers with unmanageable debts to reschedule their repayments, enabling them to better manage their finances and to get back on the right track.

"One important message for officers with either short or long term financial problems is the importance of seeking help from Force management early. The earlier an officer comes forward to seek help, the better the chance that Management is able to assist. Disciplinary actions are not automatic for officers with unmanageable debts," said Mr Ng.

The Force takes a sympathetic view towards officers who become indebted due to unforeseen and/or compassionate circumstances and will provide every assistance to enable them to solve their problems.

There is however no sympathy for officers who have borrowed money from illegal sources, or whose efficiency has been impaired as a result of indebtedness.

The Force is determined to preserve its integrity, reputation and the hard-earned trust of the public.

"We have to ensure that every police officer is trustworthy and will maintain a high level of integrity," explained Mr Ng. "Officers with unmanageable debts need to accept the fact that they are in the grip of a progressive problem and must seek help. In any event, in a disciplined Force with an effective monitoring system in place, it is unlikely for any officer with an indebtedness problem to go unnoticed for a long time."