Many Force members possess different talents and skills, such as speaking the Hakka dialect or mastering computer programming. They have acquired these attributes through formal education, self-study or other informal channels.

Capturing such information would facilitate selection of suitable officers for performing specific tasks, such as choosing candidates for Mainland training attachment or visit programmes or for operations requiring special skills. The PICS Language & Special Skill Function can satisfy the pressing need of keeping and searching for officers' skills and talents.

The officer in charge of PICS development, Chief Inspector Joe Chow from Manpower Planning Division has this to say about the PICS function: "The language skill function has been designed for officers to record their competency in different languages and Chinese dialects, while the special skill function allows officers to record a variety of job-related skills, including navigation, information technology, sports, safety, communication, marine and professional skills. The list is expanding!"

At present, over 900 skills records have been recorded in PICS since the PICS Function was rolled out in September last year. "Officers, who have not input their skills, are strongly advised to do so as soon as possible, so that the management can identify talented officers through PICS for performing special tasks," CIP Chow urged.

Officers can input their skills through the "My PICS" shortcut easily, while supervisory officers can search for officers with specific skills through the "My Secy" function. For enquiry, contact PICS Helpdesk on 2860-5740 or EO PICS on 2860-5747.

CIP Chow urges officers to input their skills as soon as possible