SICK LEAVE is not necessarily always with full pay as there are also half-pay and no pay sick leaves, which are granted when full pay sick leave has been exhausted. The number of entitled full pay sick leave days will depend on your length of our service.

In accordance with Civil Service Regulations, the Department Head (Commissioner of Police in the case of the HKP) will be the authority for granting sick leave.That authority will usually be delegated to the level of unit or sub-unit commanders.

It is not mandatory that the sick officer produce medical certificate(s)to justify sick leave if it lasts no more than two days. However, the sick leave granting officer has the jurisdiction to approve or disapprove the sick leave under such circumstances.

Meanwhile, if the sick officer takes sick leave for more than two days, he will have to produce valid medical certificate(s), which can be issued by either doctors of the Medical Authority or private physicians, for justification.

Further, with reference to the provisions PGO Chapter 9, if a police officer is unfit for duty because of sickness or injury, he should report to a registered medical practitioner for treatment and inform his Formation Commander at the first available opportunity. If the officer has been issued any medical certificate, he should submit it to his Formation Commander without delay.

Officers who have four years of service or more are entitled to a maximum of 182 days of full pay sick leave and 182 days of half pay sick leave in four years, while officers with a shorter period of service may only be entitles to a maximum of 91 days of full pay and 91 days of half pay sick leaves.

Generally speaking, if the officer concerned is suffering from serious illness and has to take prolonged sick leave, his case will be reviewed after a continuous sick leave of 91 days. If he cannot resume his duty at the end of that sick leave, a medical board appointed by the Director of Operations, Hospital Authority, will be convened to assess his case with a view to recommending on whether more sick leave (with or without pay, and no more than another 91 days) should be granted to the officer.

If the sick officer is still not fit for duty after a continuous sick leave of 182 days, the medical board will be convened again to further assess the case and recommend on whether further sick leave (with only half pay or no pay) should be granted or an alternative arrangement be considered.

Though entitlement on sick leave with pay is favourable, it is by no means a blessing to be abused. The blessing comes from taking good care of ourselves by leading a healthy lifestyle on balanced diet, with proper exercise and sufficient rest so as to enjoy the real happiness of being healthy.

POLICE NIGHT

Police Night, the annual spectacular will be held at the Police Training School on the evenings from 25 to 28 November.

One of the pre-eminent events of the year, Police Night 1998 will feature a performance by combined Police Bands with the Hong Kong Police Dance Team. Other highlights adding splashes of colour and excitement to the evening will be a tournament between major formations to manoeuvre a stalled police HGP vehicle through a series of gates.

Police Night 1998 performances will build on last year's improved and varied format with a wide range of displays which include the mighty Saxon Armoured Personnel Carrier, the Road Safety Bus, Robotcop, and the vehicles and equipment used by the Bomb Squad, as well as craft employed by the Small Boat Unit.

A wide range of souvenirs will also be on sale and a cash canteen service will be available from 5pm.

CP Eddie Hui Ki-on will host a Commissioner's Night with the Chief Executive taking the salute on November 26 which will be attended by many "friends of the Force".

November 25 and 27 nights are open to the public, while November 28 is reserved for Force members only.

Senior officers are encouraged to attend the CP's cum SOs' Night on November 26 to allow more inspectorate and junior officers to attend the Force Night on November 28.

Tickets for this year's Force Night on November 28 will cost $60, $80 and $100 with 1,000 seats available.

The 160, $100 seats will be padded armchairs in the front row. There will be 100, $80 seats with straight back chairs behind the best seats while the 740, $60 chairs will be in a temporary grandstand at the rear and at the Peter Moore Building.

Booking procedures for Force Night will be same as last year. There will be no pro-rata distribution to DSROs/SROs.

Force members wishing to attend Force Night will have to fill out the order form below and post or fax it to PTS (fax 2814-1783) by October 30. Officers can apply for a maximum of six tickets of any price.

Senior officers may approach CIP SUP PTS on 2814-4213 direct for the booking of tickets for the CIP's cum SOs' Night. PCROs are responsible for the sale of tickets for the two Public Nights.

Demand for tickets to annual Police Nights in the past has always been high, so those planning to attend should purchase their tickets as soon as possible.

If ticket demand exceeds supply a ballot will be held by Commandant PTS.

Enquiries to the Staff Relations Group: 2866-7427 or 2866-7375.

One of the most successful and entertaining family ice skating shows from the US is coming to the great hall of the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre. Personnel Services Branch is offering Force members a 20 per cent discount on tickets priced at $288 and $228, purchased through the Police Welfare Bargain Co-ordinating Unit on or before 16 October. Enquiries, Personnel Services Branch: 2804-1111.