The Vice-Chairperson of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Basic Law Committee under the Standing Committee of the National People’s Congress, Ms Maria Tam, inspected the passing-out parade for 16 probationary inspectors and 130 recruit police constables at the Hong Kong Police College on September 18.

Speaking at the ceremony, Ms Tam said that the favourable law and order situation in Hong Kong is attributed to the commitment and efforts of police officers. She also praised the Force for playing an important role in safeguarding national security, in addition to acting as a backbone to maintain Hong Kong’s stability.

Noting that the law and order situation in Hong Kong has been restored after the implementation of the National Security Law for a year, Ms Tam pointed out that Hong Kong’s rankings in terms of the rule of law and judicial independence have also risen in a number of ratings as conducted by independent third-party organisations. She also noted that the Fraser Institute once again ranked Hong Kong as the world’s freest economy in the Economic Freedom of the World 2021 Annual Report. While stressing that the rule of law is a core value of Hong Kong, Ms Tam believed that the fairness, impartiality and professionalism of law enforcement officers are pivotal in maintaining proper administration of justice.

Ms Tam said she is honoured to serve as the Founding President of the Junior Police Officers’ Association of the Hong Kong Police Force, and she deeply understood that the work of the Police is closely related to the welfare of the public. She believed that with the support of the community, the Force can overcome challenges, and will become more determined and powerful to play the role as a “ballast stone” in maintaining social stability. She was also pleased to note that the Government has introduced significant enhancements to the Police’s grade structure, welfare and conditions of service this year, showing that the Government attaches great importance to the Force.

Lastly, Ms Tam encouraged all graduates to keep themselves abreast of the times, strive for continuous improvement, and help enhance the international reputation of Hong Kong.

Please visit the following link to watch a video of the passing-out parade：（https://www.facebook.com/HongKongPoliceForce/videos/220099353488221/）.

The Vice-Chairperson of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Basic Law Committee under the Standing Committee of the National People’s Congress, Ms Maria Tam, attends the passing-out parade at the Hong Kong Police College.

Ms Maria Tam inspects the graduates.

The graduates get ready for inspection.

Ms Maria Tam and Commissioner Siu Chak-yee congratulate the probationary inspectors on their graduation.

Ms Maria Tam (first right), accompanied by Commissioner Siu Chak-yee (second right), meets the graduates after the passing-out parade.

Probationary Inspector Shek Hin-yam (left) is awarded the Brian Slevin Trophy and the Baton of Honour while Recruit Police Constable Mong Hoi-yu (right) receives the Shave Cup and the Silver Whistle.