Big day for FSU as officers get diploma
November 17, 2011 was a big day for the Force Search Unit (FSU) when the first "Diploma in Police Search and Venue Security" Presentation Ceremony was held in the Police Senior Officers' Mess. Besides Director of Operations Hung Hak-wai, who attended the ceremony as guest of honour, Assistant Commissioner (Operations) Wong Chi-hung and representatives of Education Bureau and Hong Kong Council for Accreditation of Academic and Vocational Qualifications (HKCAAVQ) were on hand to share the joy of 13 graduates of the diploma course.
In May 2008, the Government launched "Qualifications Framework (QF)" which is a seven-level hierarchy covering qualifications in academic, vocational and continuing education sectors. All the qualifications recognised under QF are quality assured.
In March 2010, HKCAAVQ granted FSU accreditation status to operate the "Diploma in Police Search and Venue Security". Programme Director, Acting Superintendent Tang Chi-ming, commented: "Hong Kong Police Force is the first government department accredited to run security learning programme. Graduates of the course can obtain diploma accredited at Level 3 under QF, set by the Education Bureau."
The content of the programme has been changed from job-oriented to learning-centric in four modular courses, namely Basic Defensive Search and Venue Security (three weeks), Workplace Attachment (18 - 24 months), Advanced Course (one week), Syndicate Research and Presentation Project (three months) and Final Board Interview (30 minutes). Upon successful completion of the programme, students may continue with tertiary studies for their lifelong learning and personal development.
Lifelong learning and enhancement of professionalism
Speaking at the ceremony, Mr Hung emphasised that the Force fully supported the continuous learning and career development pursued by officers, and encouraged the graduates to apply their search and screening skills and workplace attachment experience in operations so as to maintain a professional standard under all circumstances. In the face of adversity, they should maintain their fighting spirit and perform professionally in order to win recognition and respect from all walks of life. He also encouraged FSU to keep up its good work and elevate its professionalism.
Graduates' comments
One of the graduates, Police Constable (PC) Chan Ka-yin, said: "Over the past two years, FSU has gained valuable knowledge and good practices from major events, and has consolidated and passed on these experiences to the next generation of the Police Search Cadre through the accredited learning programme."
Said another graduate, PC Ip Chi-on: "With the professionally accredited course, I hope I can have better liaison in learning and technology development with my counterparts overseas and on the Mainland for the benefit of my search and screening skills. The FSU team will continue providing quality services for major event security operations."
Director
of Operations Hung Hak-wai and other guests congratulate course
graduates on acquiring an important qualification for their job