CP and frontline officers have heart-to-heart dialogue
Between June 29 and July 2, frontline officers from regions and major formations were deployed to carry out security duties for the HKSAR 15th Anniversary and the visit by President Hu Jintao and to maintain law and order at demonstrations and other major public order events. In carrying out their duties, officers demonstrated a high degree of restraint, diligence and professionalism even under very difficult circumstances. When some radical demonstrators breached public order, officers acted resolutely to restore order.
On July 19, the Force held an experience-sharing forum in the Auditorium on 8/F (with live broadcast in the Multi-purpose Hall on 10/F) at Police Headquarters for officers of various ranks who had taken part in the operations to express their views and concerns. The Force management appreciates officers' anxiety and worries arising from the recent drastic actions by some demonstrators. The management hopes that through a direct dialogue and experience sharing with the officers, similar operations would be planned and executed more effectively. Commissioner Tsang Wai-hung, Deputy Commissioner (Operations) Tang Kam-moon and Director of Operations Hung Hak-wai represented the management at the forum. The Chief Secretary for Administration, Mrs Carrie Lam, and the Secretary for Security, Mr Lai Tung-kwok, also attended the meeting as special guests.
During the forum, CP once again commended frontline officers for their endurance, restraint, courage and professionalism in bringing the operations to fruition. Mrs Lam and Mr Lai recognised the difficulties and hardship of policing in the current socio-political environment. They understood the challenges officers face and expressed their full support for, and trust in, the Force.
Throughout the forum, the officers indicated that though policing had become more difficult and demanding in the face of increasingly drastic demonstrations, they were proud of being a police officer and would remain steadfast and provide quality services with enthusiasm and professionalism.
Feelings
and
views
Some Junior Police Officers who had participated in the operations spoke of their experiences, feelings and observations at the forum.
ĦE An officer concurred with the Force's stance of supporting freedom of speech and the press. In his view, media reporters and police officers are no rivals and should have better communication and co-operation. But he was frustrated with certain sharp criticism and reports that did not to reflect all facts.
ĦE A police constable, whose motorcycle was stuck with many protest flags and flyers during the July 1 procession, said: "I had never imagined my motorcycle would be treated like this by demonstrators. This showed some demonstrators had no respect for law enforcement officers."
ĦE Another officer pointed out that in order not to obstruct the public and shop owners, his colleagues worked day and night to move and set up mills and water barriers, and completed the job within a few days. Despite the hardship, he had great job satisfaction and took pride in witnessing the HKSAR 15th Anniversary.
ĦE An officer said that when he returned home after working in heavy rain under Typhoon Signal No. 8, his son was upset when he saw on TV demonstrators hurl abusive language at him. He explained to his son that he, being a police officer, had to exercise restraint and endurance and committed himself to the job of maintaining law and order. This small episode underscores the stress frontline officers face in their family life.
ĦE An auxiliary officer who encountered a demonstrator who blew a whistle in his ears, said after joining the Auxiliary Police Force before handover of the sovereignty, he was impressed with the regular officers'enthusiasm towards their job during operations. Despite long working hours, little time for meals and rest, they were totally devoted to their duties. He found the provocation by some demonstrators unacceptable, adding that he was worried about demonstrators'increasingly irrational behaviour in recent years, as well as officers encountering such difficulties. However, he was confident officers would continue to do their best.
ĦE The officer, who had his glasses smashed during the charging of demonstrators while on duty in Victoria Park, encouraged his colleagues to embrace adversity. He said officers might come across unreasonable complaints but as long as they acted according to law, the Government, the Force and the community would assure them of support and recognition.
Mr Tsang Chiu-fo, Chairman of Hong Kong Police Inspectors'Association, and Mr Chan Cho-kwong, Chairman of the Junior Police Officers'Association, hoped the media and the public would appreciate the difficulties officers faced while discharging their duties, as well as their feelings. They also hoped officers would gain public support and respect. In respect of manpower and resources, they looked forward to receiving more support from the Government.
Mr Tsang said insulting police officers was unacceptable and should be dealt with in accordance with law. Mr Chan added: "No officer finds it acceptable because we represent the rule of law. We have one thing in our mind, i.e. maintaining the stability of Hong Kong. This is why we can tolerate all these insults. Our faith in the leadership of the Force is the driving force for our morale and job. With righteousness, discipline, courage and team spirit, we sustain our morale."
The forum provided a channel for effective communication between the Force management and frontline officers. Appreciating the restraint the officers exercised, the Force management indicated that it would take follow-up actions against those who had disrupted the public order.
The Force had followed up, with satisfactory results, on the recommendations of the review report on security arrangements for the visit by the Vice-premier, Mr Li Keqiang. The Force will continue to enhance communication with the media with a view to forging a working relationship with mutual understanding, respect and trust.
The Force will also conduct a review of the recent operations with a view to identifying room for further improvement. It remains confident that officers at all levels will face up to all challenges.
Finally, CP called on officers to continue working hard to serve the public and remaining fair and impartial to ensure Hong Kong remains one of the safest and most stable cities in the world.
CP praises and appreciates frontline officers'
professional performances
Officers have a good opportunity to share their work
experiences and feelings with the Chief Secretary for Administration
and CP 
Mr Tsang Chiu-fo hopes the media and the community
would appreciate officers' hardship and feelings 
For Mr Chan Cho-kwong, the freedom and rule of law in
Hong Kong should be treasured
Officers brace wind and rain while maintaining public
order
Officers do their best to handle enquiries