Outstanding police force earns regard from the
community (with Photos)
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The public had held the Police Force in high regard and trust over the years as shown by the results of public opinion polls and surveys, the Secretary for Labour and Welfare, Mr Matthew Cheung Kin-chung, said today (October 18) when inspecting a passing-out parade of the Hong Kong Police College.

"The trust has been founded on the integrity and impartial practices of the Police Force. The rising academic qualifications of police officers have also added to its image of professionalism and earned the respect of the community," he said.

He said the percentage of degree holders at recruit constable level had increased from 3.5% to 11.8% in the past decade. The overall percentage of female officers had also increased from 11.7% in 1998 to 14.3% today. This affirmed the capability of women in undertaking the arduous duties in law enforcement.

"The Police Force's exemplary performance in the World Trade Organisation Sixth Ministerial Conference in 2005, the ITU Telecom World in 2006 and the Olympic and Paralympic Equestrian Events 2008 has fully demonstrated the capability, efficiency and professionalism of the Force in meeting the most stringent security requirements of these large-scale events.

Noting that the Police had also played a pivotal role in tackling domestic violence, Mr Cheung said that the Commissioner of Police had set "professionally responding to and investigating all reports of violent crime, including domestic violence" at the top of his operational priorities, which testified to the importance the Police had attached to handling domestic violence.

"The Police have also launched a series of enhanced measures on handling domestic violence including risk identification, follow-up investigation, service referral, training for frontline staff and inter-departmental collaboration.

He believed that the graduating officers were well equipped with the skills to tackle the abusers and protect victims of domestic violence after completing the training offered by the Police College.

"In addition to taking up the role of a law enforcer, a police officer may be called upon to perform as a first-aider, social worker, counsellor, negotiator, and even mid-wife as the occasions demand," he said.

He encouraged the graduating officers to be versatile, like a Swiss Army Knife, and be prepared to serve the community in all kinds of emergencies.

A total of 12 probationary inspectors and 170 recruit constables passed out today.

Police Report No. 3
Ends/Saturday, October 18, 2008