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The Hong Kong Police Force kept abreast of times when constantly faced with new challenges in the rapid changing community, the Secretary for Security Mr Ambrose Lee said today (June 16) when inspecting a passing-out parade of the Hong Kong Police College.
Mr Lee pointed out that in the past decade, advancing technology had created vast new opportunities for criminals, and had led to an increase in cross-boundary criminal activities. To rise to these challenges, the Force had launched new strategies and stepped up training for its police officers.
"These enhanced efforts have yielded positive results in combating terrorism, money laundering, technology crimes and drug abuse," he said.
He noted that in 2011, the overall recorded crime rate per 100 000 population in Hong Kong was 1 074, lower than many large cities such as Tokyo, New York, Toronto and London. This attributed to the Force's dedicated effort to fight crime.
Meanwhile, Mr Lee said that the numbers of public meetings and public processions were rising. Last year, there were over 6 800 public meetings and public processions in Hong Kong, accounting for a daily average of over 18.
"Most of the public meetings and public processions have been conducted peacefully. However, I understand that it is very difficult and tough for frontline officers to handle the radical behaviour of some participants and that the officers are put under enormous pressure," he said.
Noting that the Force respected the public's rights to express, Mr Lee said that the Force was committed to facilitating the conduct of lawful and peaceful public meetings and public processions, whilst minimising inconvenience to the general public and road users as well as ensuring public safety and order.
"I would like to stress that the Government will keep giving full support to the Force in making Hong Kong a safe and secure city. Indeed, the display of professionalism and restraint by the Hong Kong Police in handling radical protesters deserves commendation."
To meet public demands and increase the transparency of police work, the Force has improved communication with the public, the community and the media. This also helps disseminate anti-crime messages and gain public support.
He encouraged the graduates to achieve fairness and justice in enforcing the law and always put into practice the discipline, knowledge and skills learnt from the Police College in delivering quality service to the people of Hong Kong.
A total of 32 probationary inspectors and 148 recruit constables passed out today.
Police Report No. 130
Ends/Saturday, June 16, 2012
Issued at HKT 13:28
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