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Despite facing unprecedented challenges during Operation TIDERIDER, police officers have remained steadfast in upholding law and order, fully demonstrating the spirit of “Serving Hong Kong with Honour, Duty and Loyalty”. On the other hand, many citizens have given their support and recognition to the work of the Police, and some of them have decided to join the Force, showing their determination to serve the society.
Director of Hong Kong Police College (HKPC) Cheung Ching said, “While police officers may face different challenges in their daily work, they always stand ready to serve the citizens in need. The foundation training offered by HKPC enables the new recruits to acquire professional policing knowledge, and build up positive attitude and perseverance. In view of the latest social incidents, the curriculum of HKPC has also incorporated relevant training to better prepare the new recruits for meeting the challenges ahead. I applaud the young people who have joined the Force amid the social turmoil. They have not only showed their love for Hong Kong, but also their aspiration to fight crime and maintain law and order.”
Steady growth in the number of police applicants
According to Superintendent Chan Shun-ching of the Recruitment Division, although the total number of police applicants dropped in 2019/2020 when compared with that in 2018/2019, there has been a steady growth in the number of applicants in recent months. In May 2020, the number of applicants for the posts of Inspector and Police Constable rose 13 per cent and 11 per cent respectively, compared with the same period last year. Meanwhile, the number of auxiliary police applicants in 2019/2020 recorded a substantial increase of about 90 per cent when compared with that in 2018/2019.
Mr Chan added, “Since the outbreak of protests against the extradition law amendment bill, many citizens have realised the important role of the Force in stopping violence and curbing disorder. It is encouraging that many citizens are still determined to join the Force despite the challenging nature of police work.”
Foundation training prepares new recruits for future challenges
Superintendent Tsang Chiu-fo of Support Division, School of Foundation Training of HKPC, said that given the demanding physical fitness requirements for police officers and the increasing dangers posed to police officers during Operation TIDERIDER, HKPC has raised the standard of foundation training with a view to helping trainees get prepared for future policing work. “HKPC has stringent requirements on trainees’ physical fitness, psychological resilience and leadership ability. They are required to undergo vigorous training and pass a series of assessments before passing out from HKPC,” Mr Tsang said.
Ah Chun joined the Force last October as a Probationary Inspector. She said, “I wanted to join the Force because I was impressed by the professionalism of police officers displayed in rendering assistance to the citizens in need. In times of social turmoil, I hope to serve as a police officer to contribute to the society.” Upon the completion of the 36-week training, Ah Chun has learnt to remain composed while making decisions in stressful situations. She also learnt how to discharge supervisory duties and carry out police duty with empathy. “Whenever citizens need our assistance, we will do our utmost to discharge our duties. I believe as long as police officers stick together to serve citizens with sincerity, our efforts will be recognised by the public,” Ah Chun added.
Ah Hin joined the Force as a Recruit Police Constable last December. The 27-week training has not only strengthened his physical fitness and willpower, but also taught him the importance of team spirit. “Physical training was very tough and demanding. Whenever I felt like giving up, my fellow trainees and I would encourage each other. We gritted our teeth to overcome the challenges one by one, and finally achieving our goals. The training at HKPC has equipped me with policing knowledge and practical skills, boosting my confidence in coping with the challenges ahead. I will always remember my aspirations for joining the Force – to safeguard Hong Kong and serve the community with dedication,” he said.
Ah Chun and Ah Hin have passed out from HKPC. Together with their fellow colleagues, they shoulder the great responsibilities of protecting Hong Kong citizens and upholding the rule of law. Director of HKPC Cheung Ching reminded officers to remain steadfast in their mission to rise to the challenges ahead, and stay united to serve the public with professionalism. She also encouraged young people to join the Force to contribute to the society.
Readers can visit the following link to obtain recruitment information of the Police: （https://www.police
.gov.hk/ppp_en/15_recruit/index.html）.
