Chief Secretary for Administration (CS) Mr Cheung Kin-chung inspected a passing-out parade for 36 probationary inspectors (PIs) and 237 recruit police constables (RPCs) at the Hong Kong Police College on February 3.

Speaking at the ceremony, Mr Cheung said that the rule of law is Hong Kong's core value, the cornerstone to its success as well as an indispensable factor for maintaining its competitiveness. As a law enforcement agency, the Police Force has been upholding Hong Kong's rule of law, integrity as well as law and order, and its work has been highly appreciated and applauded by the general public and the international community.

Noting that the number of crimes per 100 000 population in Hong Kong stood at 758 cases in 2017, Mr Cheung said that the efforts of the 30 000-strong Police Force helped achieve the lowest crime rate in 46 years and helped strengthen Hong Kong's status as one of the safest cities in the world.

Mr Cheung remarked that being a professional and outstanding team, the Force takes up the important responsibility of fighting crime and protecting the life and property of citizens. He commended in particular officers of the Explosive Ordnance Disposal Bureau for defusing two World War II bombs, each weighing 1 000 pounds, in five days recently without causing casualties or property loss.

Mr Cheung expressed gratitude to officers for serving the community with dedication and commitment. He hoped that the graduates would keep up the professional standards of the Force in maintaining law and order in Hong Kong.