Meanwhile, Mr Kwok noted that 196 members of the Auxiliary Police (including 128 undergraduates) passed out on August 31 this year and were posted to various districts early the following month, complementing their colleagues being engaged in policing the Election Day and the Paralympic Equestrian Events.

"The new recruits signed up for duties for the Election Day on September 7, and for the Paralympic Equestrian Events, with 102 out of 196 being deployed," said Chief Superintendent Support Yu Mun-wah at the passing out parade. He added: "We now have more teachers joining the Auxiliary Police Force. At a recent passing-out parade, two of them were honoured with the Silver Whistle Award."

Police Constable (Auxiliary) Ng Kwok-wing, one of the Silver Whistle Award winners, explained why he had joined the Auxiliary Police: "I have taught in secondary school for years and I am currently a member of the Student Support Team. I am prepared to spare my leisure time to serve the community by joining the Auxiliary Police Force, which does not frequently require us to perform duties like our regular counterparts. This is perfect as I can maintain a well-balanced family life. As an Auxiliary Police officer, I have received training in police knowledge and discipline, which makes me more confident in serving the community."

The other Silver Whistle Award went to WPC (A) Chau Siu-mun, who also works as a teacher.

Kowloon West Regional Commander Tang How-kong, who attended the passing out parade, has this to say about teachers joining the Auxiliary Police: "I have no doubt that schools can benefit from their teachers' participation in Auxiliary Police activities, not only in terms of the teachers' personal developments, but also their ability to deal with problematic behaviour in schools."

Commenting on the same subject, Assistant Commissioner (Support) Austin Kerrigan said: "We aim to recruit more young and energetic people to join the Auxiliary Police. We are glad to have teachers responding to the Auxiliary Police recruitment."

This recent passing-out parade had a family touch. Senior Superintendent Human Resources Auxiliary Susan Yik, who is due to retire in two months, was the Parade Commander, and her daughter, WPC (A) Anson Yik, following in her mother's footsteps, was one of the new recruits at the parade.

The Reviewing Officer with guests and senior Auxiliary Police Officers after the Auxiliary Police Passing-out Parade