The Force is entering times of further, unprecedented change and heightened challenge, but strategic planning is in place to respond to these challenges.

Final inspection at the Farewell Parade at PTS

The outgoing Commissioner, Mr Tsang Yam-pui, stated these at a farewell parade held in his honour at Police Training School on December 8.

In his address, he also spoke on his service with the Force, the Force's strengths, and the advances and "immense changes" that have taken place within the Force.

Taking the salute by the smart turnout on the eve of his last day of his career with the Force, Mr Tsang said his almost 38 years' service had given him "great pride and honour", and that his three years' tenure as Commissioner "can only be described as the greatest honour of my life".

He added that his service had coincided with "times of tremendous historical and social change for Hong Kong, and for the Hong Kong Police Force itself".

"To have been part of these changes, particularly the tremendous advances made by the Force in the past few years, is something of which I am incredibly proud," he noted.

A modern, well-equipped and
professional organisation

Speaking on the status of the Force, Mr Tsang said more importantly it was renowned for being one of the most modern, well-equipped and professional policing organisations not just in Asia, but also anywhere in the world. "We are genuinely recognised as a policing body which not only maintains the highest levels of integrity and commitment, but one which provides a safe, low crime environment for its community together with a wide range of professional services for each and every one of its citizens," he added.

Mr Tsang pointed out that "immense" changes had taken place within the Force since he joined the Force in the 1960's. The Force had "re-engineered" itself from a "staunchly para-military style force" to an agency dedicated to the provision of professional service and assistance to the community.

"This transformation has demanded a radical change in both organisational as well as individual attitudes and approach; a change that is tangibly reflected in the 'new look' Hong Kong Police Force we now see.

"The foundations of today's Force are firmly based on a bedrock of transparency, openness, and accountability. These qualities are essential for any forward thinking Force and are not only well established within the mindset of our own Force members, but serve as an essential framework upon which the physical image of the organisation is founded."

Single greatest asset

Describing Force members as the Force's single greatest asset, Mr Tsang said the Force took pride in their quality and calibre that a city of Hong Kong's status, vibrancy and complexity deserves.

"We have a body of men and women who take pride in the organisation to which they belong and who have the dedication and clear sense of purpose that is required to serve our community.

"There is no doubt that we are now a Force of tremendous strengths. However, these attributes can only be retained if a clear framework exists within the Force to ensure that as an organisation we continue to not only operate as effectively as possible, but also continue to develop ourselves and seek excellence.

"I am pleased to say that such a framework exists and it is securely underpinned by a well-considered, developed strategic action plan," he added.

Unprecedented change and heightened challenge

Mr Tsang pointed out that having the framework was perhaps more essential today than ever before, as the Force was entering "times of further, unprecedented change and heightened challenge".

He added: "Economic and social integration within the Pearl River Delta Region has already brought fundamental changes to the manner in which all sectors of Hong Kong society approach their interaction with the Mainland. The Force is no different in this regard as we now contend with an array of hitherto unseen issues.

"Our relationship with Mainland policing authorities, the legal difficulties arising from our co-operation in the fight against cross-boundary crime, as well as the relaxation of restrictions on the number of Mainland visitors now being allowed to enter the HKSAR are just some areas with which we now have to deal.

"These of course come on the back of existing challenges which arise from issues such as public order policing, meeting fresh domestic crime issues, maintaining our contribution to the efforts against international terrorism, contending with a general upturn in workload, and preparing to meet the constraints which will undoubtedly arise from declining public sector resources.

"However as I have already highlighted strategic planning is in place to respond to these challenges whilst at the same time an effective management structure and a carefully designed succession plan have also been established to determine how the long term future of the Force will be managed."

Mr Tsang said he would be leaving the Force confident in the knowledge that "not only does a quality of leadership and structure exist, but long term goals and solution to meet them are firmly in place".

In conclusion, he drew attention to the fact that all the determination, structure and forward planning in the world cannot be implemented, or sustained if it is not for the support of all who have helped to make the Force what it is today.

"I would therefore like to extend my heartfelt thanks for the support I have received from individual members of the Force past and present, members of the Executive and Legislative Councils, the HKSAR Government and last but not least the community of Hong Kong as a whole," said Mr Tsang.