Day away: The Senior Directorate in discussion looking at staff feedback

Commissioner Eddie Hui Ki-on led an Away Day with the Senior Directorate at the Police Officers' Club on May 5.

The team discussed the findings of last year's Public Opinion, Staff Opinion and Management Surveys, and feedback from the Living-the-Values Wave II workshops.

They formulated consolidated responses to issues in the findings and feedback, and identified themes and decided on the approach of the next Living-the-Values campaign.

They also reviewed the Statement of Strategic Directions and revised the contents to reflect the latest development of the Force.

The officers said they found the Away Day very successful and fruitful, providing a corporate view on the feedback collected in 1999, and helping formulate integrated and holistic responses.

Deputy Commissioner of Police (Operations) Peter Wong Tsan-kwong said the Force took a serious view of the survey findings. "From the Public Opinion Survey, we noted burglary and theft were mentioned as major community concerns. It is understandable, since they have a personal impact causing anxiety over safety and security. We need to reassure the public confidence through our efforts in investigating and detecting such offences," Mr Wong said.

Deputy Commissioner of Police (Management) Tsang Yam-pui noted people also held unfavourable impressions of some officers' conduct, particularly those taking unfair advantage of their positions or those being less than prudent in their private lives.

"We will find out more on what, precisely, is the behaviour of officers which is contributing to such public perceptions and we will address them accordingly," Mr Tsang said, noting the prime area of staff concern was internal communication. He reiterated the Force's efforts to improve communication systems and said staff would be regularly updated on the progress of these. "On the other hand, middle managers at District and Divisional level also have a lot to contribute. Their management style is key to good communications in their formations or units," Mr Tsang said. "Given the sizeable and complex job nature of the Force, internal communications will always be a key issue of staff concern, and we will continue to monitor expectations and identify opportunities for improvement."

It was also noted from the Management Survey, the Superintendent cadre was dissatisfied with Programme Management feeling it did not serve planning purposes and burdened staff with paperwork. However, managers felt they did not have the authority and autonomy to manage their resources. The Directorate fully acknowledged the concerns and the review of Programme Management by Service Quality Wing would aim to streamline and refine the system.

Looking at the Living-the-Values Wave II workshops, the Commissioner and senior officers fully discussed and appreciated the comments and suggestions made by staff participating. They held the view that apart from management issues, there were a number of suggestions which could be initiated by local commanders. Hence, the involvement and support of middle managers was essential in formulating responses.

Workshop responses were uploaded onto POINT and tabled for discussion in the Commissioner's informal meeting with Major Formation Commanders on June 1, so they could study the feedback and discuss appropriate responses with their formation commanders.

Following a lengthy discussion, the Commissioner directed that the next wave of Living-the-Values workshops would follow up on the feedback of Wave II, under the "Internal Communications" and "Integrity and Honesty" themes.

Mr Hui said they would focus on finding improvement action for implementation in formations and Divisions/Units. Formations would be encouraged to submit their good practices for Force-wide sharing.

"Contrary to previous waves, workshops in Wave III will begin at Junior Police Officer level so senior officers can address and respond to comments and suggestions arising from workshops of junior officers," Mr Hui said.


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