PHDIV runs mediation scheme with social workers
In recent years, Pat Heung has seen a rapid development, with more former urban dwellers moving in to live alongside indigenous villagers and bringing about cultural differences. Many of the neighbourhood disputes handled by Pat Heung Division (PHDIV) had arisen from the differences.
Most dispute cases did not involve criminal elements, but PHDIV took a lot of resources in handling the cases. Some cases, however, involved criminal damages, such as damages to doors and water taps. Even after the cases were handled and investigated by the police, the relations of the parties concerned remained strained.
Police-social
worker co-operation
In a bid to stave off conflicts and disputes among neighbours, PHDIV works closely with professional mediators from the Evangelical Lutheran Church Social Service and plays the roles of an impartial third party in handling cases.
Their tasks are to relate messages of mediation to the parties concerned in a bid to end their hostility and avert more conflicts, find a solution to their grudge; and foster mutual help among neighbours. At the same time, the professional mediators share with frontline officers the skills of mediating disputes and handling the parties concerned with empathy.
Ending disputes
PHDIV will make arrangements for the mediation team to play the main roles of mediation. With their professional skills, the mediator conducts interviews with the disputing parties for formulating operational plans and strategies. The data generated are used to produce video clips on exchanging opinions and feelings, giving a party a chance to experience the feelings of the other. The purpose of this approach is to end hostility and prepare for further mediation measures that may involve a District Councillor, village representative or other parties.
A good example is the case in which the disputing parties were tired of their longstanding tension and hostility, and needed a third party to mediate. Subsequent to mediation by PHDIV and a professional mediator, the dispute was settled amicably and neighbourhood relationship prevailed again. Encouraged by the satisfactory results, PHDIV is expected to improve the mediation scheme where necessary in a bid to promote integration of former urban dwellers with villagers, avert crimes arising from neighbourhood conflicts, and reduce neighbourhood complaints.
PHDIV
officers and professional mediators maintain close liaison with village
representatives