Dr Ellen Kirschman, an authority in law enforcement psychology from the US, visited the Force from February 26 to March 6 to deliver a series of training sessions, as a highlight of the 2004-2007 "Balances and Wisdom" Mental Health Promotion Campaign held by the Psychological Services Group.

Dr Kirschman has more than 20 years' experience in psychological services and training in the field of public safety. At three road-shows on "Adding Colors to Police Life" for frontline supervisors from different Major Formations, she mentioned a "Broaden and Build" model when asked how to strike a work-life balance in police career. She encouraged officers to "broaden" their perspectives, cognition and action to go beyond habitual police templates and actively "build" their resources to cope with challenges and demands in life. Building up positive emotions like gratitude, developing interest and showing appreciation are examples of these resources.

Dr Kirschman also emphasised the importance of bringing intellectual stimulation into real-life action.

In a Management Development Seminar titled "The Sun at the Zenith" on March 5, Dr Kirschman told officers at Inspectorate rank and above the importance of self-regulation while pursuing career success. She pointed out that successful leaders have to enhance their self-control, improve their self-awareness and maintain positive emotional states in order to reduce their blind spots and enhance creativity. This would enable them to maintain an advantageous position in a changing organisation.

During her stay with the Force, Dr Kirschman met over 20 members from the Police College to share experiences in training police officers and exchange views on police psychological competency. She also shared her expertise with Training and Staff Relations Officers in enhancing harmony at the workplace, and helped police families with problems through a daylong topical seminar on March 2. She also met representatives from Carelink Cadre to discuss its way forward for peer support within the Force.

Dr Kirschman has found her visit very fruitful, and is very impressed with the Force's determination in promoting a caring culture and officers' wellbeing. She also considers the "Balances and Wisdom" Campaign being the most comprehensive police mental health promotion programme she has ever seen.

Assistant Commissioner (Personnel) Tang Kam-moon presents a souvenir to Dr Kirschman