CPC Series
Giving praise where it's due

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(This article is by the CPC Secretary Mrs Nelly Lau)

Since OffBeat Issue 707, the Complaints Prevention Committee (CPC) has been sending articles on complaints prevention issues for publication under the CPC Series. For a change in this series a letter from a member of public Madam Poon Ming is being reproduced with her consent. Though this will be recognised as a typical encounter for frontline officers, it is unusual for anyone other than the people intercepted to write. And the latter only write to complain.

Few people will publicly applaud the Police even though they may well appreciate that the sole purpose of the Police is to prevent crime, and to protect life and property. Ms Poon's gesture is most encouraging. Police officers can never satisfy every member of the public with whom they come into contact but we can be proud of the fact that, most of the time, most of us render a considerate, attentive and effective service to our 'clients' - the public at large.

In furtherance of advocating and promoting good practice, a column on 'Good Jobs, Well Done' will be added to the CPC Bulletin from Issue No 28.

Hereunder is a summary of the letter by Madam Poon Ming:

I am a female citizen. At 11.15 am on Thursday, 4 April 2002, I came to 181 Pei Ho Street, Sham Shui Po and heard noise from behind me. It was a Policeman (in his 30s) talking with an old man (in his 70s). I joined the onlookers. The Policeman was checking the old man's ID. I know the Police are empowered to check IDs. At the same time the Policeman was examining the identification of a Mainland lady (in her 20s). For 30 to 40 minutes the Policeman very politely explained the situation to the old man, without ever using such rude remarks as "arrest you", "lock you up", "you're guilty" or "I suspect you've had an immoral transaction". Respectfully and patiently the Policeman explained to the old man the reason for the ID check. Indeed he did a good job as a Policeman.

The old man however, became agitated, saying, "Got the guts or evidence to arrest me? Stupid! Lock me up, stupid!" He went on scolding the Policeman for wasting taxpayers' money and being nosy. He told the Policeman to go after thieves instead of disturbing commoners.

Crazy! Should the Police stay away from us there would be no more protection for our lives and property. The law and order of Hong Kong can only be maintained by devoted and watchful Police officers. Fortunately we still have resourceful and courageous Policemen, who are an honour and precious asset of Force.

Sham Shui Po Police Station must encourage its officers to serve society with the said Police Constable being the role model. I am writing with a view to praising the officer for his high devotion to duty. I do not know who the officer, the old man or the mainland lady are. I am just trying to give an account of what I saw and heard.

Several male onlookers (in their 30s or 40s) swore at the Policeman for being nosy. However, the latter never responded in similar coarse language. He remained patient while he continued offering his explanation. This was worthy of appreciation because I could never do what he did.