Commissioner of Police encourages graduates to fulfill duties with “Law, Reason and Empathy” (with photos)
The Commissioner of Police, Mr Siu Chak-yee, inspected the passing-out parade for 29 probationary inspectors and 158 recruit police constables at the Hong Kong Police College today (March 29) and witnessed the graduates becoming members of the Force, ready to shoulder the noble mission of safeguarding national security and protecting the lives and property of citizens.
Speaking at the ceremony, Mr Siu encouraged the graduates to embrace their responsibilities as law enforcers who adhere to the principles of “Law, Reason, and Empathy”. He explained that “Law” represents the legal framework, emphasising the importance of impartiality and fairness in law enforcement while also requiring officers to set an example of lawfulness themselves. “Reason” highlights the significance of understanding through communication to reduce unnecessary misunderstandings and conflicts, thereby enhancing professionalism in handling incidents. “Empathy” encourages officers to put themselves in the shoes of others, considering the underlying reasons behind citizens’ requests for assistance.
He shared several stories about how citizens praised Force members for their professionalism and efficiency in assisting them in distress, exemplifying understanding and care for individuals in need. He encouraged the graduates to demonstrate professionalism in their duties, and to strive for continuous improvement by leveraging the public trust they have earned while prioritising the well-being of citizens. He stressed that professional police officers should not only focus on “completing the tasks”, but more importantly, aim “to excel in their duties”.
Reflecting on his 36-year career in the Force, Mr Siu said that his aspiration was to uphold justice and maintain law and order. He stated that it was not just a job for him, but a passion that brought him immense satisfaction. He felt fortunate to be part of the Force and considered working alongside with colleagues – sharing both hardship and joy – is a source of great fulfillment and a life without regrets.
He firmly believed that with the dedication and professionalism of his police colleagues, along with the support of stakeholders and the general public, Hong Kong’s law and order will continue to improve, allowing citizens to live and work in a better community.
In conclusion, he inspired the graduates with the words, “Work is exciting because of the challenges, life is fulfilling because of the efforts”, urging them to uphold their aspirations of joining the Force and to continue the over 180-year tradition of excellence of the Police Force. He also encouraged them to embody the core values of “Honour, Duty and Loyalty”, that is to be loyal to the mission of the Force; sincere in protecting citizens; brave and courageous in protecting citizens in any conditions, thereby ensuring Hong Kong remains one of the safest and most stable cities in the world.
