The modest Kwun Tong District Commander retires at the end of September with a wealth of credentials earned in a long and diverse police career, one which he refuses to gloat over.

"I have been doing what I like to do and there are no regrets. It has been a perfect life. However, as a police officer, I think I have only barely passed! But I am satisfied with my career and what I have achieved. I know I have done what I was supposed to do," he said.

Mr Tam joined the Force at 19 as a Probationary Inspector in 1965. Of his 16 fellow recruits, only Sham Shui Po Deputy District Commander Tang Chiu-wing continues to serve the Force. Over three decades, Mr Tam has served in almost every formation, including two tours at the Police Training School and three-and-a-half years at Traffic Headquarters, his longest posting.

He was awarded a Colonial Police Long Service Medal in 1990 and the Hong Kong Police Medal for Meritorious Service in 1999.

"I've been involved in countless operations, some quite dangerous. And what makes me proud of being an officer is I've always been part of a loyal and dedicated team and have never seen one of my colleagues balk at the difficulties and danger," he said.

On the frontline in Kowloon City during the 1967 riots, Mr Tam was kept on his toes by the spate of protests and bombs. He later obtained two diplomas on management and transport in his spare time before being seconded to work as a Divisional Commander in Manchester from 1984 to 1986.

"It was nice working with the British police and I was not new to the environment as I had attended a command course with a number of foreign officers at the Bramshill Police Staff College at Hampshire in 1980," he said.

Obtaining a master's degree in employment studies was another benefit of Mr Tam's stay in the United Kingdom, and his blooming interest in sociology.

"The police is a microcosm of society, and indispensable for that society. Therefore, some knowledge in the subject of sociology is a plus for our work, and I believe lessons on elementary sociology should be introduced at PTS."

Mr Tam said as society developed, officers should advance themselves and prepare for new challenges.

"Society is becoming more democratic with ever-rising public expectations on police officers, resulting in more complaint cases. But this should not be too much of a worry as what is really important is that officers follow codes of conduct, Force Values and try their best to provide quality service. Officers should treat the public with understanding and respect in order to get their support and co-operation," he said.

"I think more tailor-made training should be offered to individual officers who have specific needs. Every supervisor should also be responsible for the training needs of his subordinates so as to cater for such needs."

And Mr Tam's nonchalant attitude to life and career is set to continue into retirement.

"I have not set out any plans at the moment, I'll just do what I feel like doing."

Tam Kwok-wing on his UK secondment