The Secretary for the Civil Service (SCS), Mr Clement Cheung, paid a visit to the Kowloon East Operational Base on February 2. Accompanied by the Permanent Secretary for the Civil Service, Mr Thomas Chow, he was greeted on arrival by Deputy Commissioner (Management) Chau Kwok-leung.

The visit began with a briefing by officers of Traffic Kowloon East Region on their core duties. Mr Cheung also inspected different vehicles and equipment which showcased the emphasis being placed on professional skills and modern technology for effective service delivery.

Mr Cheung then met officers of the Operations Wing to get acquainted with the missions and tactics of the Regional Response Contingents and the Headquarters Response Contingent, as well as the situations prevailing at large-scale public events.

Before concluding his visit, Mr Cheung attended a tea reception with frontline officers, representatives from the staff side of the Police Force Council and the Force's civilian staff associations to discuss issues of mutual concern.

During an interview with OffBeat, Mr Cheung said that the visit gave him valuable insights into the multi-faceted nature of the work carried out by the Force and left him with a deep impression of the determination and commitment of Police officers to maintain law and order.

'Close associate' of disciplined forces

Mr Cheung disclosed that influenced by his late father who served in the Traffic Branch of the former Royal Hong Kong Police Force, he made an attempt to join the Auxiliary Police Force in 1996 but was unable to complete the requisite training after being assigned at short notice to the former Handover Ceremony Co-ordination Office. This notwithstanding, he operated closely alongside Police officers on security coverage for the Handover Ceremony and was appointed Commissioner of Customs and Excise before taking up his current position, rendering him a "close associate" of the disciplined forces.

Mr Cheung praised the Force for an admirable track record of overcoming daunting challenges and striving for improvement in step with changing community aspirations. He encouraged the Force to forge unity and solidarity, discharging duties in a professional and impartial manner without fear or favour, so as to ensure that Hong Kong continues to be a safe and prosperous metropolis.