"In the course of your careers you will often be confronted by the darker, sometimes the darkest, side of human nature. Never let this dismay you or drag you down to using inappropriate methods, and never let it sour your outlook on life," he said.

Mr Justice Bokhary encouraged the officers to face the realities without fear. He said: "Your own determination, the skill of your instructors and the support of your loved ones have brought you to the beginning of a long, hard, but noble road."

They were also told that good men and women would hold them in the highest regard. "But this regard will often be silent. Criticism of the unhelpful kind, and even abuse, on the other hand, will all too often be vocal," Mr Justice Bokhary added.

He urged officers not to worry if they became weary or stumbled along the way, saying that perseverance would eventually lead them to success.

The Honourable Mr Justice Bokhary and Commissioner Mr Tsang Yam-pui at the Passing-out Parade