Value team spirit and unity, new Hong Kong police chief tells recruits
new police chief has underscored the importance of unity in the 27,000-strong force at his first passing-out parade inspection, while revealing that recruitment has risen significantly since entry requirements were eased three years ago.
Commissioner of Police Joe Chow Yat-ming said after the parade on Saturday, which marked the admission of 43 probationary inspectors and 219 constables to the force, that he felt honoured to be officiating at the ceremony and highlighted the importance of teamwork in his own 30-year career.
'Throughout the many years of my police career, teamwork has been more than just colleagues and peers. I think family and friends are also indispensable elements,' Chow said at the Police College in Wong Chuk Hang.
Chow, who took the helm in April after his predecessor Raymond Siu Chak-yee retired, urged the new recruits to treasure the members of their cohort and the memories forged during their gruelling training days as they embarked on their police careers.
'Officers should value team spirit and chemistry both within the force and when facing external parties, rise against challenges, share weal and woe as well as take care of one another. As captains, one should lead by example and stand on the front lines,' Chow said.
After the parade, Chow revealed that 1,224 entrants joined the force in the 2024-25 financial year, a 25 per cent increase over the previous 12 months.
The police chief added that the number of applicants between April and June this year had also risen by 10 per cent compared with the same period in 2024, but he stopped short of revealing the figure.
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