At the presentation, Mr Hoggard commended the officers for their dedicated, long and exemplary services to the Force and the Government. He also took the opportunity to highlight the progress of the Kowloon East Regional Action Plan 2008, which was formulated in accordance with the Commissioner's Strategic Directions and Operational Priorities. Following implementation of initiatives to engage the community for crime prevention, the overall crime in the Kowloon East Region last year saw a decrease of 9.9 per cent, which is, according to Mr Hoggard, the outcome of officers' dedication and commitment to duties, as well as their loyalty.

Updating the officers on the progress of the Kowloon East Regional Action Plan 2009, Mr Hoggard said burglary remains a priority, along with domestic violence. Again, thanks to the concerted efforts of all Kowloon East officers, overall crime dropped by 4.8 per cent and burglary by 11 per cent in the first quarter of 2009, compared with the same period last year.

Given the successful policing of the Olympic and Paralympic Equestrian Events, Mr Hoggard is confident that all his officers will take on the challenge of policing the 5th East Asian Games.

In closing, he once again thanked officers for their unfailing support and diligence throughout his command of Kowloon East Region, and wished them continued success in the future.