The Human Resources Branch of Personnel Wing conducted two seminars in the PHQ Auditorium on March 11 and 13, with a view to brushing up Junior Police Officers'(JPOs) techniques in attending interviews during promotion exercises. The seminars provided the 800 participants with a better understanding of the qualities required for promotion to Sergeant and Station Sergeant. This large turnout of JPOs also indicated that the seminars addressed their concerns.

Speaking at the opening of the seminars, Senior Superintendent (Promotion & Research) Li King-sui stressed that the Force management strived to enhance transparency of the promotion system through a formal channel - the seminars. She hoped that as a result of the seminars, officers would be better equipped for the upcoming promotion exercises.

SSP Li then explained the special features that make the Force Promotion System fair, impartial, transparent and consistent. She also emphasised the importance of appraising one's promotion qualities and competitiveness by referring to the Administrative Instructions.

Speakers at the seminars were Central Traffic Prosecutions Division Superintendent Li Chiu-keung, who is the Force Promotion Assessment Team (FPAT) Chairman of the 2007/08 Police Constable to Sergeant Promotion Exercise, and Sha Tau Kok Divisional Commander Tony Deakin, also FPAT Chairman of the 2007/08 Sergeant to Station Sergeant Promotion Exercise.

Speaking of their views as Promotion Board chairmen, SP Li stressed the importance of demeanour and offered some tips on a better presentation during an interview, while SP Deakin elaborated on the essential competencies required for promotion to Station Sergeant and analysed the pros and cons of a study group.

Also speaking at the seminars were two candidates who showed outstanding performances at the interview boards of the 2006/07 Promotion Exercises, SSGT Lai Siu-leung and SGT Liu Kwok-lun. They shared their valuable experience and techniques of preparing for interviews. Most importantly, they demonstrated their dedication to quality service, continuous improvement and commitment to lifelong learning.

The audience also availed themselves of the opportunity to raise questions on the paperboard marking scheme, skills of writing self-assessment and timetable for promotion exercises, etc, in addition to a frank exchange of views.

The seminars have been videotaped and TSROs or equivalent officers will receive copies of the video for training purposes.

The seminar has gone a long way towards addressing JPOs' concerns about promotion interviews