The Hong Kong Police Force (HKPF) organised open days on January 12 and 13 at the Police College in celebration of its 175th anniversary. Two more open days will be held on January 19 and 20. The events aim to increase public understanding of the history and work of the Force and enhance police-community communication.

Speaking at the opening ceremony of the open days on January 12, Chief Executive Mrs Carrie Lam congratulated the Force on its 175th anniversary. She expressed gratitude to the Force for its dedication and commitment to maintaining law and order over the years, which contributed to Hong Kong's prosperity and its development into a metropolis.

Also officiating at the ceremony, Commissioner Lo Wai-chung said all Force members would stand united to safeguard Hong Kong and work with the public to build a harmonious community to maintain Hong Kong as one of the safest and most stable societies in the world.

Other officiating guests included Director of the Liaison Office of the Central People's Government in the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Mr Wang Zhimin, Chief Secretary for Administration Mr Matthew Cheung Kin-chung, Deputy Commissioner of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the People's Republic of China in the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Mr Song Ruan, Deputy Commander of the Chinese People's Liberation Army Hong Kong Garrison Mr Zheng Guoyue, Deputy Director of the Liaison Office of the Central People's Government in the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Mr Yang Jianping, President of the Legislative Council Mr Andrew Leung, Secretary for Security Mr John Lee, Deputy Commissioner (Management) Chiu Wai-yin and Deputy Commissioner (Operations) Tang Ping-keung.

The open days feature a variety of activities, including performances and demonstrations by eight police elite teams, such as the Special Duties Unit, the Force Escort Group, the Police Dog Unit and the Police Band; the screening of a virtual and three-dimensional video about the history of Hong Kong and the Force at "Studio ImmerXe"; displays of sophisticated police equipment; and game booths mounted by some 50 arts and sports clubs of the Force.

By participating in virtual shooting and watching demonstrations by officers, visitors can gain a better understanding of police work. A number of social enterprises set up sales booths at the venue, while the Hong Kong Autism Awareness Alliance runs an art exhibition to showcase the artistic talent of autists.

The open days kick-start a series of activities in celebration of the 175th anniversary of the Force. Other celebratory activities will include open days at police buildings, a charity concert, the publication of a commemorative booklet and the release of special stamps. For details, please visit the Police Public Page (https://www.police.gov.hk/175a/en/).