Thirty-nine citizens who helped the Police fight crime were commended at the Good Citizen Award (GCA) Presentation Ceremony on March 20.

Speaking at the presentation ceremony, Director of Operations Siu Chak-yee commended the GCA recipients for their courage, alertness and willingness to help. He said the GCA Scheme echoed one of the strategies of the Force's newly launched three-year Strategic Directions, that is, "Policing with the Community". The Force would continue to raise public awareness to support police officers in fighting crime, he said.

Mr Siu also said the Force would promote exchanges with the community through social media platforms to enhance the public's understanding of police work and gain their support and trust.

Also officiating at the ceremony, Mr Lam Kin-hong, a member of the Fight Crime Committee (FCC), said the continuous drop in crime figures in recent years was a result of long-term mutual trust and co-operation between the Police and the community. He hoped the public would continue to help the Police fight crime and maintain the stability and prosperity of Hong Kong.

Another officiating guest, Chief Executive Officer of the Hong Kong General Chamber of Commerce (HKGCC) Ms Shirley Yuen, praised the GCA recipients as role models for Hong Kong citizens. She said the HKGCC would continue to support the Government in combating crime and commending good citizens for standing up against crime.

With the help of the awardees, the Police arrested 40 persons for offences including trafficking in dangerous drugs, theft, rape and wounding.

Mr Won Wai-man, a recipient of the Good Citizen of the Year Award, is a primary school teacher of General Studies. He set up a mailbox at school to enhance communication with students. A student sent Mr Won an anonymous note claiming to have been molested. Mr Won swiftly identified the victim and reported the case to the Police. The culprit was subsequently convicted of rape and was sentenced to 15 years' imprisonment.

The youngest awardee was 15-year-old Ms Ng Mo-ping. She helped intercept and subdue a man who had stolen from passengers on a Mass Transit Railway train. The man was convicted of theft and attempted theft, and was sentenced to nine months' imprisonment.

The GCA, presented twice a year, is organised by the Police Public Relations Branch with the sponsorship of the HKGCC and the support of the FCC. Each awardee receives a certificate of merit and a cheque for $3,000. The recipient of the Good Citizen of the Year Award is also presented with a plaque and a cheque for $4,000. More than 4 000 citizens have been commended since the inception of the GCA Scheme in 1973.