Since 2024, the Police Force has partnered with three post-secondary institutions to offer the Diploma of Applied Education – Police Cadet Training Programme. Through classroom learning, physical training and outdoor experiences, the programme aims to better prepare young people who aspire to join the force.
Personal growth
One such trainee is Park Hae-jun, a 27-year-old born in Hong Kong to Korean parents. Before joining the programme, he voluntarily returned to Korea to complete his military service, hoping to build discipline and confidence.
“I was born and raised in Hong Kong, and I consider Hong Kong my home – that is why I chose to come back,” he said.
He shared that the programme offered far more than textbook knowledge. Instructors taught him how to manage conflict and overcome challenges.
“When we face stress or setbacks, most of us want to give up. But here, we are trained to solve problems. The perseverance we have learned will not only help us in our careers but also in life.”
Hands-on learning
Another trainee, 19-year-old Sae-ung Wing-man, described the field trips as being the most valuable part of the programme.
“They helped me to understand the work of the department I want to join, and how officers deal with different situations every day.” .
Wing-man has long aspired to join the force in order to support the public.
“The job is meaningful. It helps citizens solve problems. I want to be someone people can rely on.
“In preparation, I will further improve my physical fitness, stress management, legal knowledge and communication skills.”
Preparatory training
The Police Cadet School was established in 1973 and fulfilled its historical mission by 1990. Chief Inspector Wong Tak-choi, now responsible for physical and experiential training at the Police College, was once a cadet himself.
He hopes that the trainees of the Police Cadet Training Programme can carry forward the spirit of the Police Cadet school.
“Training methods may have changed, but our purpose remains the same – we want to nurture passionate young people who are ready to serve the community,” he said.
He also noted that many who fail to complete police training often lack physical or mental preparation – areas the cadet training programme addresses directly.
Course structure
The Police Force has co-organised this one-year training programme with the Caritas Institute of Community Education, the Hong Kong College of Technology, and the Hong Kong Institute of Technology.
Apart from core and supplementary subjects, the curriculum includes a 180-hour elective cluster titled “Police Cadet Training”, which is composed of “Police Studies”, “Police Recruit Preparatory Training” and “Physical & Mindset Development”.
Upon graduation, the trainees can attain a qualification equivalent to Level 2 in five Hong Kong Diploma of Secondary Education subjects, meeting the academic requirement for police constable recruitment.
Final challenge
After completing 22 weeks of police cadet training, the cadets took part in a passing-out parade. The event was inspected by Commissioner of Police Chow Yat-ming, who witnessed their growth and expressed his high expectations for their future success.
He highlighted that the final challenge includes a five-day, four-night “hell week” involving outdoor endurance tasks similar to the Outward Bound adventure training. Mr Chow joined cadets on the final early morning hike to Tai Mo Shan and expressed that he was impressed by how spirited they were.
“Some cadets had been injured earlier and could not complete the whole week, but they still tried to take part. Others felt exhausted, but they would still hold their heads up and pressed on.”
During a sharing session on the mountain, cadets reflected on their experiences and Mr Chow shared his own.
“The police career is long. Sometimes it feels lonely or dark – like the weather that day. But when you work as a team, someone will lead, and soon you will see the sunshine.”
Future vision
Mr Chow revealed that the cadet programme took more than three years to develop. He acknowledged the challenges, but praised his team for their dedication.
“It was like witnessing the birth of a child,” he stated.
In addition to preparing future officers, Mr Chow stressed that he hopes the programme will revive the spirit of the former cadet school, whose graduates served with distinction across the force.
“They lived by the values of wisdom, courage, integrity and perseverance. I hope this new generation will carry that torch forward.”
