Secretary for Culture, Sports & Tourism Rosanna Law inspected a passing-out parade for 13 probationary inspectors and 131 recruit police constables at the Police College today, urging them to serve as the public's trusted guardians.

Speaking at the ceremony, Miss Law highlighted that the country has officially entered a new phase under the National 15th Five-Year Plan this year, heralding unprecedented development opportunities for Hong Kong.

She noted that Hong Kong serves as an important gateway for the nation's opening up. The city leverages the strong support of the motherland while maintaining close global connections under the "one country, two systems" principle.

The city has been proactively aligning with the national development strategies and deepening its integration into the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area.

Miss Law emphasised that a safe, stable and lawful society forms the foundation of all development. Therefore, the Police Force’s role in steadfastly upholding the rule of law and maintaining social order remains of paramount importance.

Having worked closely with the Police Force across various government roles over the years, Miss Law observed that Hong Kong faces both new opportunities and challenges amid a complex, changing geopolitical environment. Safeguarding national security, she added, must remain the top operational priority for the Police Force.

She expressed her hope that police officers will consistently uphold professionalism, impartiality, empathy and the highest standards of integrity, regardless of shifts in the social climate.

Miss Law urged the graduates to act strictly in accordance with the law, safeguard social order, and think from the citizens' perspectives. By devoting themselves to public well-being, she said they will provide a solid security guarantee for the smooth implementation of the National 15th Five-Year Plan in Hong Kong.