The Hong Kong Section was set up in 1960 and, at its peak, boasted almost a thousand members - the majority of whom were expatriates. Now there are less than 400, and Superintendent Christopher Bilham, Chairman for the last four years, thinks it is time for a recruitment campaign.

"We can arrange overseas hospitality for our members to any of the 60 countries with IPA Sections. They are usually given a very warm welcome from their overseas colleagues and may even be invited to stay with a family. If that isn't possible, or if you prefer it, other accommodation will be arranged at the most economical rates. Some Sections even own holiday accommodation in interesting buildings or established resorts. You will almost certainly be taken on sightseeing trips, advised on where to shop and what to buy and, if interested, be invited to visit a local Police station. It was this facility, that most attracted our then expatriate, now overseas, officers," explained Mr Bilham. "But, for a membership fee of only $200 per year, we hope that a lot more officers, of all ranks, will join us in a little knowledge and company sharing."

Changing Habits

He observed that the leave entitlements and habits of overseas officers and local officers were once markedly different and so their attitude to a socially oriented organisation like the IPA was not the same. Local officers travelling overseas for leisure would either be visiting relatives or travelling in a group on a package tour. Overseas officers, on the other hand, tended to spend only a small portion of their leave at home and spend the rest visiting foreign countries. Increasingly, local officers are becoming more adventurous in their holiday plans and often go on independent tours even when visiting destinations in which they have relatives.

"We offer similar services for Police officers visiting Hong Kong," said Mr Bilham, "and we also organise social events for our members - these will include barbecues, junk trips, a spring reception, Christmas dinner, etc."

It's not all play and no work

Although the IPA is a social organisation, it does hold seminars on subjects of general interest, and will not accept officers from countries accused of serious violations of human rights. "For example," said Mr Bilham, "I attended a five-day seminar in Sun City, USA, in September last year. I thoroughly enjoyed myself meeting up with old friends and making new ones. At the seminar itself, we heard reports from various IPA committees.

"The Membership Committee described plans for admitting some East European aspirants and announced that the Hong Kong Section was sponsoring admission of Macao. The Welfare Committee concerned itself with victims of disasters and there were many needing help after the earthquake in Peru. The Social Committee explained its plans for helping young officers and the children of officers," Mr Bilham continued.

The 'professional' aspect was covered by the presentation of papers on 'The Police and Human Rights' and 'The Police and Domestic Violence'. The IPA also launched a new book: 'Police & Criminal Museums of the World'.

"We are planning a day trip to Macao on April 12 for 20 members who will be attending the inauguration of the new Macao Section," concluded Mr Bilham, "and I hope there will be other interesting visits over the next year."

IPA's Hong Kong Section can be contacted at: ipahksar@hotmail.com