Secretary for the Civil Service (SCS) Miss Denise Yue commended the Force for enhancing its performances through innovative measures and the adoption of a new management model by way of reorganisation and re-engineering, despite limited resources.

Addressing a passing-out parade of 134 recruit constables at the Hong Kong Police College on September 2, Miss Yue said the Force had been working hard to cut down on manpower and operational expenses under the tight fiscal position of the Government during the past few years.

Noting that the Force was actively exploring options for implementing a five-day week, she was confident that the Commissioner would strike the best balance between operational needs and aspirations of staff.

The challenge to the Force was to provide round the clock frontline police service while abiding by the Administration's decision of not incurring additional resources for the five-day week arrangement, she added.

Miss Yue pointed out that law and order was the foundation for the stability and prosperity of Hong Kong, and it was of utmost importance to have a professional police force. As the Secretary for the Civil Service, she was very proud of the remarkable performance of the Force, especially during the World Trade Organisation's Hong Kong Ministerial Conference last year.

"The Hong Kong Police have proved to be a professional and outstanding force in the world. During the period, their professional skills, high morale and competence in maintaining law and order won high regard from every sector of the community," she said.

To meet growing public expectations and attain the professional standards required of police officers in terms of knowledge, skills and manner, the Police College had provided training and development opportunities for police officers and cultivated a lifelong learning culture within the Force, Miss Yue continued.

She encouraged the graduating officers to make the best use of the learning ladder and the opportunities for continuing education offered by the Police College, and get themselves well equipped to keep pace with the needs of a rapidly changing society.

"I hope you will keep up the Force's fine tradition of maintaining law and order and serving the community with dedication, and will contribute to the development of the Force," she told the graduating officers.