The Force and DOJ work in partnership to ensure that court cases are prepared thoroughly and are successfully concluded in Court. In addition, there has been a lot of synergy between the two departments. Against this background, DOJ's "Working Group on Avoidance of Miscarriage of Justice" advocates a closer liaison with frontline enforcement personnel, and has proposed that senior prosecutors brief officers in charge of cases on how to avoid miscarriage of justice.

For its part, the Force believes that effective training and development can foster a continuous learning culture and realise the potentials of its officers to meet the needs of the Force and the community it serves.

In the first talk, DOJ's Deputy Director of Public Prosecutions, Mr John Reading, SC, delivered the important messages related to two topics, namely "Disclosure to Defence" and "Use of Informers".

In the second talk, Senior Assistant Director of Public Prosecutions, Mr Kevin Zervos, SC, spoke on the subjects of "interviewing of suspects", "misidentification" and "use of scientific evidence".

Assistant Commissioner (Crime) Lo Yik-kee commented that the talks would enhance co-operation between the Force and DOJ and update frontline investigating officers on the current issues most relevant to their jobs. "The talks have presented essential issues and a valuable forum for our officers to develop their knowledge management, which will, in turn, sustain our professionalism," he noted.

Attendants of the talks, primarily frontline investigators and their supervisors from Regions and Crime Wing Bureaux, not only have found the contents beneficial to their work, but also have their minds enlightened on many issues during the question-and-answer session.

Mr Reading speaks to a packed house