I am a serving police officer and an Action Committee Against Narcotics volunteer to help publicise anti-drug messages.

As the Force has many members participating in voluntary services, the impact would be greater if various voluntary services were effectively managed and co-ordinated.

1. Have the Police set up a voluntary group?

2. Which formation is responsible for co-ordination when the Force takes part in voluntary or charity activities?

A police officer

Personnel Services Branch replies

It is heartening to have fellow officers in the Force involved in voluntary services in their own time for those who are in need. They help make Hong Kong a more loving and caring community.

The Force is prepared, as always, to assist in whatever way possible and practicable to facilitate your work as a volunteer or a service group in the Force.

To answer the two questions:

(1) Some of our officers do organise voluntary work on an ad hoc or more permanent basis. Based on our available information, there are two groups registered with the Social Welfare Department as volunteers under the names 'Marine Police Volunteer Corps' and the 'Spring Thunder Police Volunteer Team'.

(2) The Central Office for Volunteer Service of the Social Welfare Department, set up in 1997, plays a co-ordinating and developing role. Those who are interested may call the Volunteer Service Enquiry Hotline 2234-0100 or visit the web site at: http://www.volunteering-hk.org.

The Healthy Lifestyle Working Group has the single objective of promoting a healthy lifestyle amongst Force members. Should any officer have any interest in promoting healthy lifestyle activities amongst Force members, they are welcome to contact the Secretary of the Healthy Lifestyle Working Group, Woman Senior Inspector Sports Angela Kwok (2804-1122).

Wong Wai-chun
Senior Police Welfare Officer
Administration and Support
Personnel Services Branch