Officiating at the ceremony, Assistant Commissioner (Personnel) Chan Wai-ki commended the recruits for sacrificing their school and public holidays for serving the community after passing out, exemplifying the shared common purpose and values of the regular and auxiliary police forces. He reminded them that apart from performing constabulary duties, they would act as a bridge to promote communication between police and the community, with the ultimate aim of fighting crime in partnership and maintaining Hong Kong as one of the safest cities in the world.

"We would also like to thank the Auxiliary Police Headquarters and the universities taking part in the Auxiliary (Undergraduates) Scheme (AUS)," he added.

The 30 recruits have been selected from a total of 625 applicants under the AUS, which is a proactive strategy initiated by the Human Resources Branch and jointly run by the student affairs offices of the eight local universities, with the objective of providing non-final year university students with an opportunity to serve the community.

Participating universities conducted an initial screening to nominate qualified candidates whilst the Recruitment Division, with the assistance of the Auxiliary Police Headquarters, is responsible for the final selection of recruits.

The AUS was launched in 2003, with a total of 73 undergraduates selected in that year. Feedback from all parties concerned, including the recruits, participating universities and Formation Commanders, has been very positive. The majority of them are still serving in the Auxiliary Force, whereas five of them have joined the Regular Force as Police Constables and another as Probationary Inspector.

Inspector Fang Chi-kin, a former AUS recruit, joined the Force as a Direct Entry Probationary Inspector immediately after his graduation. He is currently working as a Sub-unit Commander in Sham Shui Po Division.

"The scheme has offered an invaluable opportunity for undergraduates to learn more about the daily operations of the Police Force. Exposure has definitely enhanced my understanding of frontline police duties and helped build up my confidence, judgement and communication ability required of an Inspector," said IP Fang.

Apart from the 30 AUS recruits, there will be another 70 projected vacancies for the Auxiliary Force this financial year. The next intake has been scheduled for October 2005. The Force welcomes those who share our missions and values to apply.

The undergraduates have commenced the intensive basic training for auxiliary recruit PCs