World class: Secretary for Welfare & Labour Matthew Cheung (centre) hails the Force as among the most elite in the world at a passing-out parade at the Hong Kong Police College.

Hong Kong's Police Force is among the most elite in the world, Secretary for Labour & Welfare Matthew Cheung said at a Police College passing-out parade today.

"Its exemplary performance in the WTO Sixth Ministerial Conference in 2005, the ITU Telecom World in 2006, and the Equestrian Events in the 2008 Olympic and Paralympic Games has fully demonstrated the capability, efficiency and professionalism of the Hong Kong Police Force in meeting the most stringent security requirements of these large-scale events," Mr Cheung said.

Hong Kong people have held the Police in high regard and trust for many years, he said. The trust has been founded on the force's integrity and impartial practices.

The Police officers' rising academic qualifications have also added to its image of professionalism and earned the community's respect.

According to surveys, the percentage of degree holders at the recruit constable level has increased from 3.5% to 11.8% in the past decade.

More women join force

More women are joining the force, with the overall percentage of female officers increasing from 11.7% in 1998 to 14.3% today. The percentage of female officers holding ranks at inspectors or above rose from 16.1% in 1998 to 20.8% in 2008, reflecting the culture of gender equality here and affirming the capability of women in undertaking the arduous law-enforcement duties.

Mr Cheung said the duties of the Police in protecting people have become more important in recent years. Officers may be called upon to perform first aid, to be social workers, counsellors, negotiators or even mid-wives in some situations.