To ensure it can attract quality candidates, the Hong Kong Police Force has a policy of recruiting continuously throughout the year.

"We are hiring 150 probationary inspectors and 1,082 police constables this financial year," says recruitment division superintendent Simon Ho Kin-man. "People with different social and education backgrounds are welcome to apply."

Candidates for the rank of inspector should have a pass in two subjects in the Hong Kong Advanced Level Examination and a grade C or higher in three other subjects at HKCEE or equivalent.

Candidates meeting the basic entry requirements will undergo written tests, an extended interview, psychometric testing and a meeting with the final interview board. "We look for candidates who possess leadership potential, excellent communication skills, as well as good judgment and common sense,"

Ho says. Probationary inspectors will go through a 36-week training programme while the one for constables lasts 27 weeks. It makes use of problem-based learning and includes modules, "social studies in policing" and "psychology in policing", which are delivered in partnership with the Open University.

Probationary inspectors will have a chance to work in the uniform branch and with the crime investigation team.

This will depend on manpower requirements at the time and individual abilities.

Apart from their normal duties, police officers may also take part in the secondary duties on a voluntary basis. These include police negotiation techniques and bomb disposal.