Noting that Hong Kong is one of the world's safest cities, Mr Wong said such an achievement would not have been possible without police officers maintaining law and order in a most dedicated and conscientious manner.

 

Changes in the social environment in Hong Kong had added to the taxing workload of the Force, creating a tremendous pressure and challenges to frontline officers. It was fortunate that the Force continued to perform duties with integrity, professionalism and impartiality, and to play a pivotal role in keeping Hong Kong a clean society, upholding the rule of law, and promoting a business-friendly environment, he added.

 

Mr Wong went on to say that as the public had an increasingly high expectation of disciplined services staff and public officers as a whole, attracting, retaining and motivating aspiring persons to join the civil service with suitable salaries and conditions of service had become an important issue. Therefore, the Standing Commission on Civil Service Salaries and Conditions of Service would advise the Government to safeguard the stable living standard of civil servants.

 

Finally, Mr Wong encouraged the graduates to support and motivate each other in taking on challenges.

 

A total of 31 probationary inspectors and 167 recruit constables passed out.