"I'm finding my secondment an exhilarating challenge," wrote Mr So. "My duties here are totally different from anything I did in Hong Kong. But it is already quite clear that the experience I am gaining will enable me to make a real contribution to the Force when I return in 2004 and I am most grateful for the opportunity that senior management have afforded me."

"I have just returned from a 10-day trip to Cyprus. Together with a sergeant and a retired superintendent, Centrex sent us to Cyprus to deliver an eight-day leadership-training programme for 22 Cypriot officers - four inspectors and 18 sergeants. My personal contribution was on the subject of responsible supervision of police officers and appropriate anti-corruption measures. I made good use of that excellent publication, Ethical Leadership in Action, which was jointly produced by the Civil Service Bureau and the Independent Commission Against Corruption," said Mr So.

"I did not miss the opportunity to promote a favourable image of our 'Middle Kingdom' Force to a 'Middle East' Cypriot Police Force half a world away. I was able to share with them the Force's exemplary expertise in supervisory training and, more importantly perhaps, to establish a mutual commitment to cooperation in the international fight against crime.

"Apart from my work in Cyprus, I have also helped Centrex's International Faculty in coordinating training programmes for Mainland China, Hong Kong and countries where United Nations peace-keeping missions are operating. This work required me to attend meetings in the London Foreign & Commonwealth Office and conduct business negotiations with course sponsors, local and overseas state agencies, diplomats from several national embassies, training providers and recipient police forces.

"These meetings brought me into contact with a lot of officials, many of whom gave me the opportunity to describe the successful implementation of our post-1997 'One-country, Two Systems' regime and Force's commitment to provide a modern, caring and efficient service to the community we serve.

"I send my best regards to all my colleagues in the Force and, OffBeat willing, I will give you an update after my planned visit to China later this year and after my several visits to UN peace-keeping missions in African countries next year," he concluded.

Superintendent Mr Bernie So