Troop review: Secretary for Health, Welfare & Food Dr York Chow at the passing-out parade.

Secretary for Health, Welfare & Food Dr York Chow says the departments under the his bureau have been working in partnership with the Hong Kong Police Force on various fronts and he believes their cooperation will become even closer in response to changing social needs.

Reviewing a passing-out parade of 20 probationary inspectors and 172 recruit constables at the Police College, Dr Chow commended the Hong Kong Police College for nurturing a pool of high-calibre, outstanding police officers to serve the community and make important contributions to the prosperity and stability of Hong Kong.

Dr Chow pointed out that the work of the police force, providing a wide range of services, was among the most difficult, challenging and complicated of all professions.

Encouraging the officers to pursue lifelong learning, Dr Chow said he was confident that the officers would rise to whatever challenges they encountered on the way with continuous learning and a will to succeed.

He also noted that police officers were active in volunteer work and that the Force was committed to promoting volunteer service aimed at "Building a Caring Workforce".

"I am deeply aware that the Force is noted worldwide for its professionalism and distinction.  It is also a caring Force taking the interests of the community to heart," he said.