Police volunteers steer youths to straight path
Eastern District's Police Community Relations Office (EDIST PCRO) rolled out a youth project, "Caring Young Night Drifters", in December last year and later recruited about 50 police volunteers for reducing juvenile delinquency, showing police care to youths-at-risk and enhance personal ability.
Trained up in outreaching skills by social workers, the police volunteers approached teenagers hanging around in streets on weekend nights with a view to preventing them from being exploited by undesirable elements. They also encouraged the youths to avail themselves of the activities and referral services provided by non-government organisations.
Two police volunteers have a positive view of the youth project. Sergeant Lo Ho-bun said: "Directing teenagers to the right track is a big satisfaction for me."
"In talking to the teenagers, I found they under-estimate themselves and lack family support. Therefore, I show them care as an elder brother and encourage them to be a law-abiding citizen. Having broken the ice with them, I've had my communication skills and patience improved," said Police Constable Lee Yiu-chung.
Last year, the volunteers chalked up 700 hours of outreaching services and approached over 280 teenagers. The findings of a PCRO survey show the project helps boost police-community relations and gives teenagers a better idea of the duties and work of the police.
Eastern
District police volunteers reach out to night drifters