Sha Tin District runs JPC Leader Corps Pilot Scheme

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In line with the principles and guidelines set by a Junior Police Call (JPC) Review and with a view to implementing the recommendations of the JPC Central Advisory Board, Sha Tin District (STDIST) is running a JPC Leader Corps Pilot Scheme.

The main feature of the pilot scheme is to recruit serving police officers to work as volunteers. Their tasks are to act as role models for Corps members, impart police-related knowledge, develop close friendship with Corps members and their parents, as well as advance the idea of one police officer serving one school. So far, the scheme has recruited 155 serving officers to work as volunteer Training Officers. They are now working on many summer programmes for the students of seven secondary schools in Sha Tin.

JPC Leader Corps Committee

A JPC Leader Corps Committee has been set up to take the pilot scheme forward. Its functions are:

* setting the Corps' objectives and strategies, as well as ensuring they are in line with the directions of the Police Public Relations Branch;

* promoting and developing the sustainability of the Corps;

* overseeing training and activities for the Corps, and

* examining and approving promotions and awards under the pilot scheme, and enforcing discipline.

Sitting on the committee are an Honorary JPC President as Chairman; the Sha Tin District Police Community Relations Officer as Vice-chairman; Company Commanders, JPC Liaison Officers and JPC Activity Assistants as Ex-officio Members; Training Officers and Staff Officers as Ordinary Members, and professionals, Honorary JPC Presidents, Staff Officers and District Support Group Members as Advisors.

Well-defined hierarchy

The pilot scheme has a well-defined hierarchy with Companies, Platoons and Columns, mirroring the structure of the Police Tactical Unit. A new ranking system will also be introduced. Leaders would develop leadership skills, communication skills and other relevant techniques by leading a team.

Participation by serving officers as volunteers

Serving officers participating in the pilot scheme as volunteers will help promote a sense of belonging within the Force. At the onset, they will serve the JPC Leader Corps as staff officers or Platoon Commanders. They will conduct training courses and activities for JPC members, with the ultimate objective to train up JPC members, including leaders and advanced leaders, to relieve police volunteers as staff officers to continue to run the JPC Leader Corps. If feasible, the Corps will be established force-wide.

Main features

The main features of the pilot scheme are a unique training programme and a three-tier award scheme for members to achieve different levels of awards. The training programme consists of four modules on police-related knowledge, legal knowledge and civic and national education, personal development and community service.

Police-related knowledge will be imparted through visits to elite police units, such as PTU, ASU, SBU, and EU, as well as through foot drills. Corps members' personal developments will be enhanced through arts, sports, adventures, physical training, and training in leadership and management. In the field community service, Corps members will take part in crime prevention activities and volunteer services.

The three-tier award scheme is aimed at paying recognition of Corps members' achievements with three awards, namely, Outstanding Award, Excellence Award and Standard Award.

Following the launching of the pilot scheme in Sha Tin District, 349 students have been recruited and they are now attending a series of intensive summer training programmes organised by volunteer serving officers.

The pilot scheme will run for two years, and two reviews will be made to gauge its effectiveness: an interim review in June this year after the first-year trial and a final review in June 2009 after the second-year trial.

JPC Leader Corps' annual parade

The JPC Leader Corps Pilot Scheme is due for review
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