CPC Series:
A real case of professionalism

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(This article is supplied by a CAPO SGT, a CPC member)

I was recently invited by the CPC secretary to write an article for the CPC series. While I was thinking hard on what to write, I got involved in a dispute which gave me some thoughts about the attitude Police officers should adopt.

I was parking in a carpark when some pieces of concrete fell down and damaged the roof of my car. The renovation worker denied any responsibility but what really annoyed me was that the carpark watchman did nothing but said ironically that I was making a fuss of a trivial matter. When I asked why he just looked on, he just said "What can I do?"

I decided to call the Police for assistance. In no more than four minutes a uniformed policeman on motorcycle arrived, identified the informant (me) and the renovation worker, listened to our explanations, checked the damage of my car, asked for the worker's supervisor and told me what Police actions had been taken. He kindly asked me to wait with patience. Another traffic officer arrived later and checked my car again and I heard that they discussed how to handle the incident. The worker repeatedly denied any fault on his part. I heard that one of the policemen politely asked him: "How can you be certain that the damage to the car was not done by you when you are working at height? The car is indeed damaged."

The first policeman explained to me that I could seek reconciliation or request Crime officers to handle the incident.

The policemen had handled the situation in an impartial way and I took their advice on reconciliation.

I am thankful to the two colleagues of Kowloon City Division for their assistance and appreciated their professionalism. Remember the watchman? Is it true that there is nothing he can do? I am not boasting of the significance of Police but Police officers are often the hope and the last source of protection for the public and victims (such as me in this incident). Obviously, doing our constabulary work in a perfunctory manner will disappoint those who need our help. When we carry out our duties, we should put ourselves into others' shoes - do we accept the quality of service we are providing if we are those who are seeking help? We should ask this question not only for the sake of avoiding complaints.

It's always easier said than done. So try your best. Do you remember what annoyed me most in the incident? Not the damage to the car nor the renovation worker. Is there anyone ever want to be the watchman?