"We are an organisation that genuinely believes that our people are our most important resource and as such warrant our full commitment to facilitating their self-development," said Mr Foo.

To further publicise the array of opportunities available to members of the Force, Mr Foo announced that a Learning and Development Exhibition would be held at the Police Sports and Recreation Club from November 23 to 25.

DPT Spencer Foo Tsun-kong: "Our people are our most important resource"

Vocational training booths, included as part of the Exhibition, will display information on courses organised by Crime Wing, Marine, Operations Wing, Detective Training School, Police Driving School and Information Technology Training Centre, to name but a few.

The Civil Service Training and Development Institute will also staff a booth to provide details on a range of courses, as well as information on financial assistance available under Civil Service Regulations and other initiatives such as the recently announced Training Incentive Scheme.

Local universities and other educational institutions will be well represented and able to give details regarding the range of Police-related courses available both in Hong Kong and through overseas partners.

"The aim of this exhibition is to provide comprehensive information on learning opportunities, internal and external, to members of the Force," said Mr Foo, "this is intended to reaffirm Force commitment and inspire individual commitment to continuous self-development through lifelong learning."

Mr Foo emphasised the fact that international experience had indicated that this was an effective way for our officers to keep pace with the rapidly changing environment and thereby continue to serve society in a professional manner.

"Officers who commit themselves to this philosophy will find they are better equipped professionally, have higher self-esteem and confidence resulting in greater job satisfaction, and at the same time will find themselves better prepared to compete in promotion exercises," said Mr Foo.

Apart from providing information on vocational and developmental learning opportunities, the exhibition will also feature experience-sharing sessions. During these gatherings, JPOs and Junior Inspectors who have been on overseas training courses, Mainland study visits and self-studies will share their experiences with colleagues and will be available to answer any questions that may arise.

"To promote continuous self-development through lifelong learning, support and commitment for both the management and officers is important," stressed Mr Foo.

"While the Force will do everything feasible to fulfil its commitment in this area, individual officers are expected to utilise their own time and resources pursuing lifelong learning, which is in their own best interests," he added.

Mr Foo urged all officers to visit the exhibition. Details will be published on POINT as well as coming editions of OffBeat.