Citing the Lunar New Year Fair as an example, Dr Ko said every year when the Food and Environmental Hygiene Department (FEHD) organised the event, the Police offered 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 management measures on site. Members of the public can thus celebrate the festive season in a safe environment.

 

Crowd management and maintenance of public order in large-scale functions were important risk management measures which would effectively prevent accidents or disasters from happening by chance or arising from the acts of trouble-makers, he said.

 

Another area of close co-operation is upholding the rule of law. Noting that the FEHD's Food Business Extension Control Task Force usually takes stringent action during nighttime, Dr Ko said the Task Force would fully co-operate with Police officers to avoid conflicts arising from enforcement action. Joint operations will be conducted from time to time with a view to reducing the risk of conflicts.

 

On public health protection, in addition to seconding 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 on premises such as amusement game centres, Internet cafes, billiard parlours and bars where smoking 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 remained steadfast at their posts and displayed fortitude in responding to the crisis. He witnessed how they exerted themselves to serve Hong Kong people and remained vigilant for the territory.

 

While in charge of accident and emergency services and the Department of Orthopaedics and Traumatology, he also observed that whenever there was an accident or disaster, Force officers were invariably the first party to arrive at the scene to do their utmost to assist and rescue the injured persons. He had the highest regard for the selfless commitment of the officers in saving lives, he said.

 

Apart from putting to good use the professional knowledge and skills learned from carrying out police duties, Dr Ko encouraged the graduates to pursue continuous learning and gain experience to meet increasingly tough challenges.

 

 "The community have rising expectations of you, and are expecting you to steadfastly uphold the rule of law with fairness and impartiality in protecting life and property," he said.

 

He also reminded the graduates of the importance of physical and psychological health. While working hard, they should spare more time for rest and leisure activities. They should also learn to ease tension and communicate more with family and friends when they are under pressure.

 

A total of 43 probationary inspectors and 161 recruit constables passed out.