SINCE 1914, when 29 men volunteered for duty with the newly formed Police Reserve, the citizens of Hong Kong have been giving up their free time to help the regular police maintain law and order.

From an initial strength of just a few hundred men whose services did not extend beyond occasional partols on Hong Kong Islnad, the Hong Kong Auxiliary Police Force today has over 5,000 officers performing a wide variety of duties in all corners of the HKSAR.

As attested by this photo feature, the Auxies have come a long way.

Once used as emergency back up in times of war or riots, auxiliary police are now fully integrated with the regular Police Force Trained to the same high standards as their Hong Kong Police colleagues, Auxy men and women have a proud record of sharing the burden of ensuring that Hong Kong remains one of the safest cities in the world.

There have been difficult times over the years -the civil disturbances and riots of the 1950s and 60s. the crime wave of the '70s-but the Auxies have pulled through with renewed strength and determination.

The recently published Looking Back with Pride and Glory is the first comprehensive history to be compiled on Hong Kong's Auxiliary Police. It records not only the work of its predecessors, but also gives a detailed account for coming generations of what the Force Means today.

The book documents not just their courage and commitment in time of danger, but also the Auxy commitment to their neighbors and to the community. The example that they have set of service to others, and of service to the values of a decent, law-abiding community, has made a deep and lasting contribution to the quality of life in Hong Kong.

As the city opens a new chapter in its history, the spirit and the commitment of the Auxiliaries will continue to shine in protecting the people Hong Kong in a new era.