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The Chief Executive (CE) Mr John Lee awarded the Medal for Safeguarding National Security on September 12 to public officers who have made significant contributions to safeguarding national security, including Force members, in recognition of their efforts in maintaining national security.
The Hong Kong Police Force serves as Hong Kong’s law enforcement agency to safeguard national security. Since the implementation of the National Security Law over four years ago, officers have consistently and resolutely enforced the law, diligently conducted investigations and gathered evidence, successfully dismantling multiple syndicates and arresting culprits that endangered national security, thereby effectively ensuring social stability and security.
With the Safeguarding National Security Ordinance (SNSO) passing the LegCo unanimously and officially taking effect on March 23 this year, HKSAR successfully fulfilled its constitutional duty and honorable mission of enacting the local legislation of Article 23 of the Basic Law. During the legislative process, the Force actively assisted various government departments in revising and optimising numerous details of the provisions.
Simultaneously, the Force swiftly initiated various preparatory tasks, including updating enforcement guidelines for the powers under SNSO, training packages, and internal briefings. The goal was to ensure a fast and accurate understanding of SNSO for all Police officers, whether in frontline or supporting units, uniformed or plainclothes, so that all members could fully assume their law enforcement responsibilities under SNSO.
Commissioner Siu Chak-yee sincerely thanked CE for recognising and awarding police officers. In the future, the Force will continue to fulfil its responsibilities in safeguarding national security as well as enhancing intelligence gathering, investigation and evidence collection to play its role in preventing, curbing and punishing acts and activities that endanger national security. The Force will also maintain effective communication and cooperation with other national security agencies and relevant stakeholders, striving for public trust and support, and working with the entire government and various sectors of society to safeguard national security.
Grand opening of ‘NSafe’
National security is the cornerstone for maintaining a country’s stability. Safeguarding national security has been the top priority of the Hong Kong Police Force. To further enhance officers’ national security knowledge, the National Security Department (NSD) has set up the publication corner “NSafe” at the Force Library in the Police Headquarters. CE officiated at the “NSafe” Opening Ceremony on September 12.
“NSafe” is divided into three sections:
• Book Section contains over 120 publications related to national security related laws and constitutional development in the Mainland and Hong Kong;
• Milestones Section includes a legislative timeline of national security laws and a historical record of the CE’s Award for Exemplary Performance and Medal for Safeguarding National Security; and
• Learning Section features a touchscreen display board that allows officers to learn about national security information through websites, flip books and videos.
“Safeguarding national security” is a mission we all share. Colleagues are welcome to visit “NSafe” to borrow relevant books, experience interactive learning and deepen their understanding of related laws and knowledge so as to further strengthen their capability to safeguard national security.
CE’s Award for Exemplary Performance
CE’s Award for Exemplary Performance presented to the Task Force on Basic Law Article 23 Legislation comprising the Department of Justice, Security Bureau and Hong Kong Police Force in June is displayed at “NSafe”, sharing with all Force members the fruits of their efforts.
Established in 2023, CE’s Award for Exemplary Performance aims to give recognition to meritorious and exemplary teams or individuals in the civil service, with a view to encouraging civil servants to constantly strive for excellence. It also enables the public to have a better understanding of the government’s work and the excellence of the civil service.
