In this April 15, 2021 photo, members of the Hong Kong Police Force march during a parade at an open day at the Police College in Hong Kong. (CALVIN NG / CHINA DAILY)

HONG KONG – The Hong Kong Police Force has named safeguarding national security its top strategic priority for the next two years, saying national security is a strategic issue that touches on many important areas of police work, including manpower, training and terrorism.

According to the police's biweekly publication, OffBeat, released on Wednesday, Police Commissioner Raymond Siu Chak-yee said that following the turmoil of 2019, safeguarding national security has become a major issue for the central government, the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region government, and the Police Force.

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Safeguarding national security affects everything we do, so it justifies a strategic direction of its own.

Raymond Siu, Commissioner, HKPF

"Safeguarding national security affects everything we do, so it justifies a strategic direction of its own," Siu said as he announced the details of the Strategic Directions 2022-2024 at a briefing session on July 22 for officers of senior superintendent rank and above.

National Security Director Andrew Kan Kai-yan said that in addition to upholding law and order, the Police Force is now vested with the vital task of upholding national security. 

Everyone on the force should possess professional knowledge and, more importantly, an awareness of national security, when performing duties or formulating policies, he added.

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The Strategic Directions 2022-2024 are safeguarding national security, embracing the use of technology for policing in the digital age, policing with the community, and preparing the workforce to meet emerging challenges.