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The Police have been working closely with the Food and Health Bureau on various fronts including organising large-scale functions, upholding the rule of law and protecting public health, the Secretary for Food and Health, Dr Ko Wing-man, said today (January 25) when inspecting a passing-out parade at the Hong Kong Police College.
Citing the Lunar New Year Fair as an example, Dr Ko said every year when the Food and Environmental Hygiene Department organised the event, the Police would offer professional advice on ways to ensure public order and other relevant matters.
During the Fair, adequate Police officers will be deployed to ensure public safety and order as well as to implement crowd safety management measures on site. Members of the public can thus celebrate the festive season in a safe environment.
Crowd safety management and the maintenance of public order in large-scale functions by Police officers are important risk management measures which can effectively prevent accidents or disasters happen by chance or arising from riotous acts, he said.
Another front of close co-operation is upholding the rule of law. Noting that the FEHD's Food Business Extension Control Task Force usually takes stringent actions during nighttime, Dr Ko said the Task Force would fully co-operate with Police officers to avoid possible conflicts arising from enforcement actions. Joint operations would be conducted from time to time with a view to reducing the risk of conflicts.
On public health protection, in addition to second a team to the Tobacco Control Office (TCO) of the Department of Health to provide training, Police officers on the beat also support and assist the enforcement staff of the TCO when they come across obstructive or even violent offenders. From time to time, TCO and the Force conduct joint anti-crime operations at premises such as amusement game centres, Internet cafes, billiard parlours and bars where smoking offence is prevalent.
Dr Ko expressed gratitude to the Force for all the support and assistance rendered over the years and hoped the graduates would carry on the fine tradition of the Force to 'Serve with Pride and Care'.
He recalled the days of the SARS outbreak a decade ago when Force members stood fast at their posts and displayed fortitude of spirit in responding to the crisis. He had witnessed how they exerted themselves serving Hong Kong people and keeping vigil for the territory.
When he was in charge of the Accident and Emergency services and the Department of Orthopaedics and Traumatology, he had also observed that whenever there was an accident or disaster, Force members were invariably the first to arrive at the scene doing their utmost to assist and rescue the injured persons. He had the highest regard for the selfless commitment of Police officers in saving the lives of others, he said.
Apart from putting in good use professional knowledge and skills learned when carrying out police duties, Dr Ko encouraged the graduates to pursue continuous learning and gain experience to meet increasingly tough challenges in future.
"The public and the community have rising demands and expectations of you, and are looking to you to steadfastly uphold the rule of law and to maintain law and order with fairness and impartiality in safeguarding and protecting life and property," he said.
He also reminded the graduates the importance of physical and psychological health. While working hard, they should have time for rest and leisure activities. They should also learn to let go of the tension and communicate more with family and friends when under pressure.
A total of 43 probationary inspectors and 161 recruit constables passed out today.
Police Report No. 202
Ends/Saturday, January 25, 2014
Issued at HKT 12:56
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