He noted that as frontline officers come into contact with the public everyday, he hoped they would put community policing into practice by working more proactively in helping people and fighting crimes.

 

"Apart from fostering Police-public co-operation, I hope you would care about the community like what you do to your family, strengthen communication with citizens and boost mutual trust and respect so that Police and the public would see each other as family members," Mr Lo told the graduates.

 

Mr Lo went on to say that the rapid developments in society had made police work more complicated, but Police missions of upholding the rule of law and fighting crimes had remained unchanged. In face of different voices and views, Police officers should exercise their powers and enforce the law in a fair, just and impartial manner, bringing criminals to justice for the benefit of prosperity.

 

He reminded the graduates that though they would face myriads of challenges in the future, they can overcome difficulties if they all stay and work together. He said, "With team spirit, the Police Force has transformed and become a distinguished and quality service provider over the past 170 years." Over the years, crime rates continued to drop. Last year, the number of violence cases and crime rates hit a new low since 1970s.

 

Mr Lo hoped that with passion and courage, along with the Police Force's motto of "We serve with pride and care", the graduates would strive to make Hong Kong one of the safest and most stable societies in the world.