Chief Executive John Lee attended a passing-out parade to review 31 probationary inspectors and 83 recruit constables graduating today from the Police College.

Addressing the ceremony, the Chief Executive encouraged the graduates to live up to President Xi Jinping’s expectations and dedicate themselves to safeguarding national security and maintaining Hong Kong’s stability.

Citing President Xi’s important speech on July 1 which said “Hong Kong cannot afford to be in chaos”, Mr Lee added that without stability, development will not be possible and the true value of people’s aspirations will not be brought into play.

A stable society could promote Hong Kong’s long-term development and ensure the steady and successful implementation of “one country, two systems”, he stressed.

While recalling that Hong Kong had encountered unprecedented difficulties and shocks in 2019, Mr Lee praised Police for always standing fast and fulfilling duties without fear. Moreover, the force has made remarkable achievements in strictly enforcing the law and proactively promoting the concept of law abidance, as seen from the fact that the number of cases of wounding, serious assault, snatching, pickpocketing etc fell to the lowest in a decade.

Today was the first time that the Chinese-style foot drill was adopted in the college's passing-out parade. Mr Lee noted that Police have developed from a disciplinary force which maintains law and order into a law enforcement force which safeguards national security and ensures Hong Kong’s stability.

He also encouraged the graduates to strive for excellence and do their best to ensure Hong Kong remains one of the safest cities in the world.