To find out more about the bridging course, OffBeat has talked to the OUHK lecturer Mr Chan Wing-lun and two students of the bridging course, Sergeant (SGT) Wong King-po from Tuen Mun District and Woman Police Constable (WPC) Chan Sze-nga from Lok Ma Chau Division.

Mr Chan said, "The bridging course covers two important training modules for police work, namely 'Psychology in Policing' and 'Social Studies in Policing'."

"The Police College, in conjunction with the Open University, first incorporated the two modules, 'Psychology in Policing' and 'Social Studies in Policing', into the basic training for Recruit Police Constables (RPCs) in 2006 in an effort to better equip RPCs for their jobs after graduation. Since then, RPCs have been awarded the Certificate in LESM upon passing out of the college. Feedback from RPCs has shown that these two modules have largely achieved the objective that the Police College wishes to see - helping JPOs grapple with the problems they come across in their day-to-day jobs," he added.

Mr Chan pointed out: "Carrying 30 credits, the bridging course also provides a good foundation for those seeking higher academic qualifications. Armed with a Certificate in LESM, an officer may continue further part-time studies with the Open University for higher qualifications in the same subject: diploma, high diploma and even Bachelor of Social Sciences with Honours in LESM, depending on the credits they have obtained."

While sharing the common goal of pursuing self-enhancement, SGT Wong and WPC Chan have different reasons for their interest in the bridging course.

"As a junior supervisor, I think the course will be useful for my job. If I got the same training from the course as the Police Constables who joined the Force in these few years did, I could better understand how they see our daily jobs," SGT Wong told OffBeat.

"The Police College has recommended the bridging course to JPOs for some time. I want to know what the course will offer and how I can benefit from it," said WPC Chan.

Both officers consider the bridging course very useful for their day-to-day jobs. They pointed out that the module on "Psychology in Policing" equipped them for the job of dealing with the citizens they come into contact every day, including crime victims. The course helps them keep their fingers on the citizens' pulses concerning their feelings and expectations.

Their consensus about the merits of the "Psychology in Policing" module is: "If you have a good grasp of the mentalities, feelings, thinking and expectations of the people you're dealing with, you'll be in a better position to help them. This is because you might put yourself in their positions whilst figuring out how to offer the best services to them."

The "Social Studies in Policing" module, the officers continued, had given them a better idea of the background to changes in society, the impact of these changes on policing, and what the Force has done in face of the changes. From the module, they have realised how the Force has transformed over the years for better service quality. The course also addresses the issues concerning the ethnic minorities in Hong Kong.

The Open University is now accepting applications for enrollment for the bridging course starting in October. Those interested may contact the university's Information Centre on 2711-2100 for enrolment procedures, or Mr Chan Wing-lun of the School of Arts and Social Sciences on 2768-6848 or wwlchan@ouhk.edu.hk for course details.

The Chan Tak Education Fund administered by the Open University offers scholarship of up to $4,000 for each student of the bridging course, and those who have successfully completed the course and met the relevant criteria may also apply for subsidies from existing channels such as the Police Welfare Fund, the Reimbursement for Short Local Courses Scheme and the Course Fees Reimbursement under CSR1010.

SGT Wong (right) and WPC Chan, together with Open University lecturer, Mr Chan Wing-lun, highly recommend the bridging course to fellow officers