Commissioner Tang Ping-keung issued a message to all Force members on November 25, in which he said, "Colleagues, we have been fighting uphill battles to safeguard the law and order of Hong Kong these days. From handling mobs occupying university campuses to ensuring the smooth running of the District Council Election, we have once again showcased our professionalism, loyalty and perseverance in protecting our city. Thank you for a job well done!

"During the past five months, radical protesters made repeated attempts to impinge on the rule of law by burning and blocking thoroughfares across the territories. Rioters ruthlessly beat up and set fire on innocent citizens holding different views. They even resorted to unrestrained violence and attempted to attack us mercilessly.

"Since November, these rioters have doubled down on their tactics. Many parts of Hong Kong were embroiled in turmoil. The rioters blocked the arteries along different tertiary institutions through extremely violent means in order to paralyse Hong Kong. Near the Chinese University of Hong Kong (CUHK), for example, the rioters paralysed the Tolo Highway by hurling petrol bombs and bricks in a flagrant disregard for public safety. The rioters occupied the No.2 Bridge connecting to the CUHK and hurled volleys of petrol bombs. More than 3 000 petrol bombs were seized in the CUHK alone. This highlights the immense danger our officers had to face. Although there were unfair comments on our decisive actions, it was definitely moving to see that our colleagues, in the face of adversities, continued to stand fast at their posts.

"Just when the tension over the incident in the CUHK seemed to have insulated, the rioters started another fight, occupying the area close to the Hong Kong Polytechnic University. They wreaked serious havoc and paralysed transport at the Cross-Harbour Tunnel in Hung Hom, dragging the whole territory into chaos. Worse still, the rioters launched lethal attacks by shooting arrows at our officers. A police sergeant of the Force Media Liaison Cadre was hit in the calf, which was nearly being pierced through. I am sure that many of you share the same pain as I do. When I visited the injured officers, I was immensely touched when they told me their desire to return to the front line immediately although I could feel their pain. As the Commissioner, I am extremely proud of you all for your courage, resourcefulness and professional restraint.

"After these came yet another challenge – we were tasked to warrant the safe and smooth conduct of the 2019 District Council Election. In high spirits and with unswerving determination, our officers once again contributed to the successful conclusion of the election and ensured that the people of Hong Kong could safely exercise their voting rights under the Basic Law at more than 600 polling stations across the territory.

"These days, life has become an endless grind for our officers. With a succession of 30-hour shifts, to go off duty was entirely not within reach. Many officers can only see their family members on a screen. Those who are exhausted have to doss down on the floor inside police stations. I have seen all these things for myself, and these sights have weighed heavily on my mind. The good news, however, is that our efforts are starting to pay off. An increasing number of our fellow citizens are standing with us in defying violence. Quite a number of them have joined hands with our officers in clearing the blockages, while many others in the community have supported us in different ways. As long as we remain professional, we will see order restored to our city before long.

"Last but not least, I wish to thank you again for putting the Force's motto of 'Serving Hong Kong with Honour, Duty and Loyalty' into practice. Without your hard work, neither the incidents concerning the university campuses nor the 2019 District Council Election would have come to a satisfactory conclusion."