Frontline police officers usually get all the attention, but people forget there is also a dedicated, behind-the-scenes team performing an essential part in day-to-day operations.

The Hong Kong Police Force is looking for about 20 candidates to fill positions as police translator II. Main responsibilities will include translating documents - some relating to criminal cases - and speeches and articles for in-house magazine Offbeat. Appointees will also need to act as interpreters at police stations and to prepare charge sheets.

"In order to serve the public, our translators are required to do shift work," says Yip Wing-fai, chief police translator (regional administration). "Sometimes they may also need to work overtime when urgent assignments have to be finished."

Candidates should have passed five HKCEE subjects with Grade C or Level 3 for Chinese and English language, and have at least three years' relevant work experience. Applicants with a higher diploma, associate degree or bachelor's degree in translation, or language study, may be exempt from this requirement.

Selected applicants will take a written test and be assessed on basic knowledge of the law. Those who make the shortlist will be tested on their typing speed, with an interview to follow.

Ideal candidates should be able to type 30 words per minute in English. 

"Good team spirit, a pleasant personality and excellent interpersonal skills are essential," Yip says. "New hires may find the job pretty challenging, so a positive attitude and willingness to learn would be an advantage."