Police Constable Law Fu-man, who has enrolled in a psychology course organised by the Chinese University of Hong Kong, said the scheme was appealing because the application and reimbursement procedures were very simple.

Mr Law said: "I simply registered my intention to join the scheme direct with Training and Development Bureau (TDB) by submitting a proforma. Then, TDB confirmed my registration by assigning me a number.

"After completion of the course, all I need to do is to submit to TDB an application form, the receipt for the course fee and documents proving my successful completion of the course for full reimbursement."

Sergeant Tai Chi-wai praised the scheme for the wide variety of courses available. "The courses identified by TDB cover a lot of job-related topics such as leadership, management, and interpersonal and communication skills. I eventually picked a very practical management course organised by the Hong Kong Management Association (HKMA)."

Under the scheme, officers may apply for a maximum of two courses provided that they are in different semesters, just like Sergeant Chan Chi-wa who recently picked another course organised by HKMA after attending its workshop on interviewing technique.

If you are a JPO, or an IP/SIP with less than eight years of service at the Inspectorate rank (as at 15 August 2002), and wish to attend short local courses in your own time, don' t miss this golden opportunity to do so.

To get more information regarding the Scheme, please visit the Training Wing website at: http://ux37phq.hpf.gov.hk:8088/bbs/training/train_portal/reimburse/index.htm

Reimbursement of fees is a real incentive