Canadian Liaison Officer's fond farewell
The liaison officer in Hong Kong for the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP), Mr Robert Ring, will be returning to Canada in July after a four-year stint.
A 20-year veteran of the RCMP, Bob was involved mainly in anti-narcotics operations in Montreal prior to his posting to Hong Kong in July 2006.
The RCMP Liaison Officer (LO) programme has seen 37 LOs being posted to 26 locations around the world. Housed in the Canadian Consulate General in Exchange Square, Bob has been ably assisted by a programme officer, Ms Elaine Chu.
As an LO in Hong Kong, Bob has worked closely with the Liaison Bureau and other Force units. His role has been to promote co-operation between Canada and the law enforcement communities in Hong Kong, Macao, Taiwan and Japan. Police-related requests for information and assistance are routed via his office.
Hong Kong has the second largest population of Canadians living abroad (next to the USA). Bob said about his job: "I think the post in Hong Kong is one of the most coveted in the RCMP and I feel very fortunate to have been here. It was a steep learning curve especially to uproot family to the other side of the world but also tremendously rewarding in a city like Hong Kong. Outside of work there is so much to do and it is terrific to work with the most dedicated and professional officers of the Liaison Bureau and the Hong Kong Police."
During his time in Hong Kong, Bob immersed himself in the local culture. His kids went to local schools and were able to learn Chinese. He was a member of the Police Rugby Club and even able to continue playing Canada's coolest sport, Ice Hockey.
Bob will be returning to a new role in Ottawa in the Immigration and Passport Special Investigation Section dealing with trafficking of persons and immigration fraud, where he hopes he might again have the opportunity to work with Force members.
Mr Rico Wong from the Vancouver Asian Organised Crime Unit will succeed Bob.
For
Bob,
his posting in Hong Kong is "a steep learning curve"