"The trust has been founded on the integrity and impartial practices of the Police Force. The rising academic qualifications of police officers have also added to its image of professionalism and earned the respect of the community," he added.

Mr Cheung noted that the percentage of degree holders at recruit constable level had increased from 3.5 per cent to 11.8 per cent in the past decade. The overall percentage of female officers had also increased from 11.7 per cent in 1998 to 14.3 per cent today, affirming the capability of women in undertaking arduous duties in law enforcement.

"The Police Force's exemplary performance at the World Trade Organisation's Sixth Ministerial Conference in 2005, the ITU Telecom World in 2006 and the Olympic and Paralympic Equestrian Events in 2008 has fully demonstrated the capability, efficiency and professionalism of the Force in meeting the most stringent security requirements of these large-scale events," he pointed out.

Appreciating that the Force played a pivotal role in tackling domestic violence, Mr Cheung noted that the Commissioner had set "professionally responding to and investigating all reports of violent crime, including domestic violence" at the top of his operational priorities, attesting to the importance the Force attached to handling domestic violence.

"The Police have also launched a series of enhanced measures for handling domestic violence, including risk identification, follow-up investigation, service referral, training for frontline staff and inter-departmental collaboration," he added, further recognising the Force's contribution.

Mr Cheung said the graduating officers were well equipped with skills to tackle the abusers and protect the victims of domestic violence, having completed training provided by the Police College.

"In addition to taking up the role of a law enforcer, a police officer may be called upon to perform as a first-aid provider, social worker, counsellor, negotiator, and even mid-wife as occasions demand," he noted.

Lastly, Mr Cheung encouraged the graduating officers to be versatile as "a Swiss Army Knife", and be prepared to serve the community in all kinds of emergencies.

A total of 12 probationary inspectors and 170 recruit constables took part in the passing-out parade.

The Secretary for Labour and Welfare, Mr Cheung Kin-chung, inspects the smart turnout

Officers salute the Reviewing Officer during a rifle drill

The graduating officers with the former Police Sub-Inspectors after their passing-out parade

Mr Cheung leaving the Police College after chatting with some of the graduating officers