Mr Chung and colleagues were called to a Tai Po school where a 13-year-old student threatened to hurt himself with a cutter after a dispute with his teachers. On arrival they found that the teenager had already discarded the cutter but continued to display hostility.

"After talking to his father, principal, teachers and a social worker, I had a feeling that the death of his mother two years ago might be the main reason for his irrational and violent behaviour.

"The kid's heart-breaking experience reminded me of my own father's death when I was 13-year-old- and I could understand how he felt.

"So I started talking about my childhood experience and told him that his destructive behaviour would break the hearts of everyone who loved him, including his mother.

"The kid, who initially covered his head with a blanket, started to show some response to me. So I continued talking about the importance of forgiveness and the inevitable consequences of violent behaviour. He then dissolved in tears and eventually apologised to his principal and his teachers for his misbehaviour."

Mr Chung was glad that the incident came to an end in a peaceful way. He said that sincerity and effective communication skills were essential elements to a successful persuasion.

"To defuse irate people engaged in a dispute, I always maintain my neutrality throughout the incident. Instead of pointing out which party is right and which party is wrong, I will help them to find out the answers by themselves through a sincere heart-to-heart talk.

"As Police officers, we are often called upon to handle various kinds of conflict, especially domestic and labour disputes. To be a good mediator, we must keep on improving our communication skills.

"Apart from taking related training courses, I always pay attention to other peoples' conversation in my daily life so as to sharpen my communication skills," Mr Chung concluded.

Sergeant Mr Chung Tin-chee: glad the incident ended peacefully