Graduates told to sustain Force's reputation
and image
Besides the hard work of people, sound legal system and good public order had substantially contributed to the success of Hong Kong, the Chairman of the Action Committee Against Narcotics, Prof Daniel Shek Tan-lei, said on April 14 when he inspected a passing-out parade at Police College.
Noting that Police played an important role in maintaining law and order and protecting personal safety, he hoped the graduates would strive to uphold the good reputation and image of the Force.
Prof Shek pointed out that with the changing political and social conditions in Hong Kong, the public had rising expectations of police officers, resulting in more complaints against, and more stress, for officers.
He recalled that he had read many reports, some of which were "absolutely unreasonable" and "did not make sense", when he served in the Independent Police Complaints Council.
"Consistent with the spirit of the rule of law and human rights, we must reiterate the importance of the right of the public to complain against police officers. Faced with the culture of complaints, police officers must possess two important attributes.
"First, having a high emotional quotient is important. That is, one must be able to control and cope with one's emotions in a healthy manner. Second, one must have the wisdom of strictly enforcing the law while taking reasonableness and feelings into account," he noted.
Prof Shek encouraged the graduates to pursue lifelong learning, adding that there were four basic elements of lifelong learning, namely "learning to know", "learning to do", "learning to live" and "learning to be".
As well as knowledge and skills, people had to learn how to think critically and reflectively, and to cultivate values and moral choices that would contribute to a person's complete development, particularly a sense of life mission (i.e. learning to be), he said.
Prof Shek also hoped the graduates would accept the challenge and joy of lifelong learning, and witness personal growth in the process.
On parade were 42 probationary inspectors and 165 recruit police constables.
Prof
Shek
taking
salute by 42 probationary inspectors and 165 recruit police
constables
Prof
Shek
congratulates
officers on completing their strenuous training