Tips for Smart Cops Series
Correspondence with the public,
other government departments and outside authorities

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1. Upon receiving a letter from a member of the public concerning official matters, officers should send a reply within 10 days of receipt of the letter.

2. Where it is anticipated that a reply cannot be made within 10 days of the receipt of the letter, an interim reply shall be sent and an endorsement made on the letter to show that this has been done. (PGO 12-04)

3. The interim reply letter shall be signed by the officer who handles the matter. The letter should also include the officer's contact telephone number. (PGO 12-04)

4. A police officer, other than one acting in the execution of his duty, shall not address the Chief Executive, the Chief Secretary for Administration, a Government Secretariat Secretary or a department head direct on any matter. Such correspondence shall be addressed through the Commissioner. (PGO 12-06)

(This column is contributed by the Complaints and Internal Investigations Branch)