Opening Ceremony of “Hong Kong Police Force 175th Anniversary Open Day” holds today (with photos)

     The Hong Kong Police Force today (January 12) held the opening ceremony of the "Hong Kong Police Force 175th Anniversary Open Day" at the Hong Kong Police College to kick start a series of activities in celebration of its 175th Anniversary.

     Speaking at the ceremony, the Chief Executive, Mrs Carrie Lam, congratulated the Force on its 175th anniversary. She expressed gratitude to the Force for its dedication and commitment in maintaining law and order over the years which contributed to Hong Kong’s prosperity and its development into a metropolis. 

     Also speaking at the event, the Commissioner of Police, Mr Lo Wai-chung said all Force members would continue to stand united to safeguard Hong Kong and work with the public to build a harmonious community with a view to maintaining Hong Kong as one of the safest and most stable societies in the world.

     Other officiating guests included the Director of the Liaison Office of the Central People's Government in the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, Mr Wang Zhimin; the Chief Secretary for Administration, Mr Matthew Cheung Kin-chung; the Deputy Commissioner of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the People’s Republic of China in the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, Mr Song Ruan; the Deputy Commander of the Chinese People’s Liberation Army Hong Kong Garrison, Mr Zheng Guoyue; the Deputy Director of the Liaison Office of the Central People’s Government in the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, Mr Yang Jianping; the President of the Legislative Council, Mr Andrew Leung; the Secretary for Security, Mr John Lee; the Deputy Commissioner of Police (Management), Ms Chiu Wai-yin; and the Deputy Commissioner of Police (Operations), Mr Tang Ping-keung.

     The open day features a rich diversity of activities, including performance and demonstrations staged by eight police elite teams, such as the Special Duties Unit (popularly known as the Flying Tiger Squad), the Force Escort Group, the Police Dog Unit and the Police Band; the “Studio ImmerXe” which broadcast a virtual and three-dimensional video about the history of Hong Kong and the Force; display of sophisticated police equipment; and game booths mounted by some 50 arts and sports clubs of the Force.
 
     Visitors would gain a better understanding of police work through participating in virtual shooting and watching demonstrations by officers. A number of social enterprises are invited to set up sale booths in the venue. The Hong Kong Autism Awareness Alliance also runs an art exhibition to showcase the artistic talent of autists.

     Today’s open day is a prelude to a series of activities in celebration of the 175th anniversary of the Force. Three more open days will be held on January 13, 19 and 20, with the aim of enhancing communication and understanding of the public on police work. Other celebratory events will include open days of police buildings, a charity concert, publication of a commemorative book, and release of special stamps. For details, please visit the Police Public Page (www.police.gov.hk).