The Chairman of the Action Committee Against Narcotics (ACAN), Dr Ben Cheung, inspected the passing-out parade for 20 Probationary Inspectors and 251 Recruit Police Constables (RPCs) at the Police College on April 22.

He praised the Hong Kong Police Force as an efficient and exemplary team. Hong Kong has always been one of the safest and most stable cities in the world, with the city's overall crime rate in 2016 dropping by 8.7 per cent when compared with that of the previous year. The crime rate recorded a new low in 44 years. He attributed the stable situation to the professional services of the Force.

Dr Cheung noted that the work of the Force has never been easy and is always challenging. In a cosmopolitan city like Hong Kong, prosperity and stability are underpinned by the Police's relentless efforts in upholding law and order as well as combatting and preventing crimes.

"I have got to know the Police's efforts in fighting drug-related crimes through my work for ACAN. Drug dealers make profits by luring youths into taking drugs or even engaging them in drug trafficking. These drug-related crimes pose grave hazards to both the younger generation and our society, and must be combatted through stringent law enforcement," he said.

He believed that police officers should be decisive and courageous even in complicated emergencies, and need to make appropriate judgment and deployments under stress. He appreciated the determination and sense of mission displayed by the graduates, who are ready to rise to the challenges ahead despite all the difficulties.

Dr Cheung encouraged the graduates to bear in mind their oath of office, and to execute their duties honestly, faithfully and diligently without fear of or favour to any person, as well as to serve the community with empathy and in an inclusive and professional manner.

"Police officers face the public every day. When discharging duties, sometimes you may feel that you are doing a thankless job, or even discouraged and demoralised. I hope that you will always stay calm and keep on dedicating to your duties. Your professionalism will certainly earn the trust and respect of the community and the general public," he added.

In his concluding remarks, he reminded the graduates to maintain good living habits and work-life balance so as to keep good physical and mental health, while seeking continuous self-improvement in the professional field and enhancing personal competitiveness.