Hong Kong’s security chief said on Saturday that the police’s mission, loyalty towards the country and Hong Kong, resolve to safeguard the rule of law, and pledge to serve the community remain firm and unaltered though circumstances, criminal modus operandi and investigative methods are ever-changing.
Chris Tang Ping-keung said this while delivering a speech at a passing-out parade of 15 probationary inspectors and 248 recruit police constables of the Hong Kong Police Force at the Hong Kong Police College.
He encouraged the graduates to be "inspirited by iron will, anchored by compassion, guided by insights", adhere to the principle of "With faith, we go farther", and pursue the Force's mission of "Serving Hong Kong with Honour, Duty and Loyalty."
Police officers, facing various unknowns and challenges daily, should embody three capabilities: "iron will, compassion and insights", he said.
When confronted with threats and pressure, police officers should remain dedicated and unwavering, committed to resolutely safeguarding national security and upholding the rule of law in Hong Kong, said Tang.
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Many members of the HKPF, despite being attacked by rioters and their family members facing threats in 2019, remained unyielding and steadfast at their posts, which demonstrated their impregnable iron will, he said.
Speaking about compassion, the secretary for security said police officers should enforce the law with impartiality and integrity, while also being compassionate, empathetic and citizen-oriented.
He, in this connection, mentioned that in the aftermath of the Wang Fuk Court fire in Tai Po, officers searched for the deceased at the devastating fire scene with their bare hands, striving to keep the bodies intact and recover their identity so their families could bid a proper farewell.
Compassion is embodied through respecting life, being empathetic for suffering, and upholding professionalism, he added.
In the face of evolving criminal modus operandi and the volatile external environment, police officers should cultivate the ability to foresee opportunities, plan ahead and break new ground, he said.
Stressing the need for the Force to leverage new technologies, fresh knowledge and innovative thinking, collaborate across sectors and embrace change, he said police should possess the insights to identify and adapt to changes, with the devotion to consciously serve the country, the wisdom to uphold principles while pursuing innovation, and the vision to stay vigilant even in times of peace.
Tang said that the HKPF never stands alone, because it is supported by the staunch backing of the motherland, various departments of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region government and all sectors of society.
