The professional work and achievements of the Force had won wide acclaim and high public confidence and satisfaction, as evidenced by the independent public opinion polls in recent years, said the Chairman of the Standing Commission on Civil Service Salaries and Conditions of Service, Mr Nicky Lo Kar-chun, when he inspected a passing-out parade at the Police College on August 4.

He pointed out that Hong Kong had undergone considerable social and economic changes since the reunification, and the increasingly high public expectations had brought numerous challenges to the Force.

"To keep the crime rate low while improving cost-effectiveness with enhanced productivity measures is no easy task. Nevertheless, the steadfast commitment of the entire Police Force to serving the public and maintaining law and order has kept our society safe and stable," he noted.

Mr Lo told the graduating officers that the public had high expectations of law enforcement officers on competence in law enforcement as well as on personal conduct and integrity.

"Police officers should be upright, honest and responsible, respect individual rights, discharge duties in a fair, impartial and understanding manner, and act with determination and courage in times of crisis.

"I believe you have equipped yourselves with the above qualities after the professional training and assessment of the Police College. I also believe you have chosen this meaningful job as your lifelong career with firm conviction," he told the officers.

Mr Lo took the view that the civil service system of salaries and conditions of service provided police officers with job security for a dedicated career. He said this was precisely the aim of the civil service pay policy, which was to offer sufficient remuneration to attract, retain and motivate staff of a suitable calibre to provide the public with an effective and efficient service.

Noting that competent police officers were indeed the most valuable asset of the Force, Mr Lo commended the instructors and staff members of the Police College for their efforts and achievements in cultivating talents and providing new blood to the Force.

He also called on the officers on parade to put into practice the discipline, knowledge and skills they had acquired from training, and shoulder the responsibility of serving the community and maintaining law and order.

"Be resilient in the face of setbacks. With professionalism, commitment to excellence and dedication to work, you can overcome challenges, gain immense job satisfaction and win the support and trust of the community," he reminded the officers.

On parade were 15 probationary inspectors and 199 recruit police constables.

On parade are 15 probationary inspectors and 199 recruit police constables