"Key issues facing the committee are implementation and evaluation of the new Force Strategy for Integrity Management," he continued. "And I'd like to take this opportunity to explain a few things about the strategy which is intended to guide our integrity management efforts in the coming years."

Mr Dowie spoke about the background to the new strategy, which will replace the Force Anti-Corruption Strategy. "The Force Anti-Corruption Strategy has served us extremely well since it was first introduced in the mid-90s," he said. "It has helped cement the partnership approach we have adopted with the ICAC to tackle police corruption, and has led to the current situation whereby police corruption reports are now at an all-time low."

"Nevertheless," he went on, "times are changing and we need to change with them. Externally, the community's expectations have never been higher. Similarly, I am glad to see that the vast majority of our members expect to work in an organisation of the highest integrity. Senior management recognises the need for continuous improvement in everything we do and, therefore, the Force Committee on Integrity Management has endorsed the replacement of the Anti-Corruption Strategy.

"The new strategy recognises that the challenges facing us today, in terms of integrity management, are not solely confined to fighting corruption. They also include other behavioural issues that can compromise the integrity of our officers, as well as the isolated incidents of serious misconduct which still surface from time to time."

The new strategy has been developed following a Force-wide consultation. It builds on the Force Anti-Corruption Strategy through its continued emphasis on education as well as enforcement and deterrence, whilst also providing for an increased focus on areas such as building a culture of integrity and creating more opportunities for rehabilitation and support. Leadership and individual responsibility will continue to underpin all aspects of the new strategy.

Formations will set up Integrity Committees, to be chaired by formation commanders who will be designated as Formation Integrity Officers. The Formation Integrity Committees will implement relevant components of the Force Strategy for Integrity Management through their own local initiatives. Major formation commanders will facilitate communication and liaison between the Force Committee on Integrity Management and the Formation Integrity Committees.

"There are a number of key messages, which I want to get across to everyone," said Mr Dowie. "Number one: the Force is still committed to fighting corruption. Senior members of the ICAC will serve on the Force Committee on Integrity Management and tackling police corruption will remain a major objective of the strategy.

"Secondly, senior management is fully aware of the huge number of challenges facing the average police officer today. There are many initiatives and programmes already in place to maintain high integrity both organisationally and individually. The new strategy helps integrate these initiatives and programmes and provides them with direction and focus. We have no intention to increase the workloads of frontline officers.

"Lastly, I'd like to encourage every member of the Force to recognise the importance of integrity as failures impact on us all. The Formation Integrity Committees structure will encourage officers to demonstrate their commitment to this programme and, in particular, it will give supervisors the opportunity to display leadership and a sense of responsibility. All are encouraged to play their part. Each member of the Force can contribute to the strategy through adherence to the Force Values. In particular, supervisors must act as role models to promote the strategy."

The Force Strategy for Integrity Management will be uploaded to the Force NoticeBoard and the Ethics Corner shortly.

Mr Dowie discusses the Force Strategy for Integrity Management with Assistant Commissioner (Service Quality) Wong Fook-chuen and senior members of Complaints and Internal Investigations Branch