The Junior Police Call Scheme (JPC) has entered the 35th anniversary of promoting communication and co-operation between the youth and the Police, as well as Police-youth partnership in fighting crime, through the provision of diverse programmes. Following the Government's implementation of the New Senior Secondary Curriculum (NSSC, 3-3-4) this year, the Police Public Relations Branch (PPRB) has grasped this opportunity to conduct a review in order to sustain JPC's development and to highlight its public image.

PPRB Chief Superintendent Ng Ka-sing commented: "We're bent on fostering young people's holistic personal developments, and equipping them to become future leaders to make contributions to society and JPC. We hope the review would chart a precise course for JPC's future developments."

Following an extensive consultation, JPC Headquarters have put forth recommendations on three main areas, namely (1) strengthening of membership structure, (2) enhancement of four existing training modules, and (3) establishment of an award system.

Strengthening of membership structure

In order to retain JPC members over the age of 25, who have valuable experiences and leadership skills, JPC Headquarters have introduced a new Instructor level to the existing three-level membership structure (Member - Leader - Advanced Leader) so as to provide a platform for them to continue making contributions to JPC. Furthermore, an outstanding Advanced Leader, after completing the necessary training, will be appointed Instructor by the Secretary for Security to guide and give instructions to other JPC members, thus perpetuating the spirit of JPC.

Enhancement of existing training modules

To align with the NSSC, 3-3-4 system, a review was conducted of the existing four JPC training modules: (1) Police Knowledge, (2) Leadership Ability, (3) Management Skill and (4) Personal Development. Through the "Development Programme for JPO with Potentials", three Police Constables are responsible for the review.

One of them, Woman Police Constable (WPC) Wong Hau-yan said: "We instill among JPC members a proper concept of values and fighting crime with animated and interesting materials. We'll also produce different teaching materials for members of different ages."

WPC Wong believes this kind of training would help members better understand the Force and enhance their leadership skills, laying a firm foundation for those aspiring to join the Force in future.

Establishment of Award Scheme

Besides a badge system for each level, Advanced Leaders, who have completed all requisite training programmes, will be presented with an Outstanding Award by CP.

Furthermore, JPC has introduced new incentives to motivate members to take part in community services.

Under the incentives, (1) the Joint University Programme Admission Scheme recognises the status of JPC Advanced Leader, Chairman of School Club and winners of major competitions. (2) Education Bureau has given endorsement for JPC programmes to be included in the 3-3-4 Other Learning Experience (OLE). (3) The Hong Kong Award for Young People (HKAYP) has cross-matched with some items of JPC training Module D.

JPC Headquarters will secure learning opportunities outside classroom for outstanding JPC members, such as exchange programmes organised by Home Affairs Bureau, summer internship scheme and environmental conservation projects funded by World Wildlife Fund.

Views of Outstanding Advanced Leaders

Liang Chun-ho, winner of the "HSBC JPC Award Scheme 2008", pointed out that the contents of training had greatly improved. "Module A on 'Police Knowledge' has become more interesting and lively, helping trainees better understand complicated legislation, and develop their abilities to make decisions and analysis. As one who is interested in joining the Force, I've benefitted a lot. JPC is grooming me as a pillar of society, and I'm determined to become a JPC Instructor so that I can continue making contributions to this big family."

With the formation of the "Advanced Leaders Council" earlier this year, elites of JPC are now able to enjoy more freedom for planning and running different programmes.

Way forward

JPC owes its developments to the joint efforts of various Police Community Relations Offices (PCRO) and volunteers. PCRO officers and volunteers, as well as JPC members who have been selected by Home Affairs Bureau for exchange programmes will talk about their feelings and observations.

JPC Leadership and Management Training Camp in progress

Team building is an important part of JPC training

Woman Police Constable Wong Hau-yan at the 2009 World Police & Fire Games in Vancouver, Canada

Liang Chun-ho receives the prize of the "HSBC JPC Award Scheme 2008"