Commissioner Tang King-shing, when inspecting a passing-out parade at the Police College on March 17, encouraged the graduates to maintain and enhance the performance and reputation of the Force.

He also reminded them to remain true to their oath of office at all times, serve the people of Hong Kong wholeheartedly by upholding law and order and show honesty to their colleagues.

"By joining the Hong Kong Police Force you have committed yourself to a professional and meaningful career.

"Never forget that your uniform not only provides you the authority to perform your daily duties, but also symbolises public confidence in our organisation and the lifelong commitment of each and every member of the Force to serve the community," Mr Tang told the graduates.

Noting that the ceremony marked the end of a period of rigorous and intensive training and the commencement of the graduates' official police duties, the Commissioner encouraged them to display benevolence, wisdom and bravery in performing their daily duties - the benevolence to uphold and maintain the core values of the Force and to be an honest, kind and considerate individual in the service of the community and your colleagues; the wisdom to make yourself a better police officer and person through the constant pursuit of knowledge and experience, and the bravery to approach the challenges you will face as a police officer with integrity at all times.

"If you truly follow this path you will be able to become a benevolent person free from anxiety, a wise person free from uncertainty and a brave person free from fear," he said.

Mr Tang said that on the one hand policing the increasingly complex and sophisticated society of Hong Kong presented many challenges to the Force and created tremendous pressure for police officers. On the other hand, it would give the officers great satisfaction and a sense of achievement.

However, he said that in the course of police work officers would inevitably feel both physical and psychological stress. To cope with these stresses, he encouraged them to continue to adopt a healthy and balanced lifestyle.

"The Force attaches great importance to teamwork and is well known for the esprit-de-corp that exists amongst its officers.

"Apart from your own contribution you should also understand the values of good communication and co-operation with your colleagues as a team to achieve our organisation goals. In so doing you will continue the fine traditions of the Force," he added.

Meanwhile, Mr Tang pointed out that the public always held the traditions and professional standards of the Force in high regard, as reflected in public opinion surveys conducted by the University of Hong Kong which indicated that the overall confidence of the public in the Force had been maintained at around 75 per cent in recent years.

Welcoming the graduates to the Force, the Commissioner told them to execute their duties diligently at all times, with honesty and integrity to reflect their professional ethos to serve the community of Hong Kong "with pride and care".

A total of 205 recruit constables passed out from the Police College.