Outgoing police chief Raymond Siu reflects on 36-year service and commends force's resilience

Commissioner of Police Raymond Siu Chak-yee, whose term concludes on April 1, reflected on his 36 years of service and expressed profound gratitude to his colleagues within the police force. 

In an interview on a radio program Sunday, the police chief noted that officers faced "unprecedented challenges" during the social unrest, during which police officers and their families endured significant stress and were subjected to attacks. 

Despite the hardships, Siu emphasized that the force emerged more robust through collective efforts to restore order, noting that this commitment made a "significant contribution" to Hong Kong's transition from chaos to order and its advancement from stability to prosperity.

He also highlighted the evolution of the police force over the past three decades, particularly noting the enhanced relationship between law enforcement and the public since the 1990s. The positive change has been fostered through an intensified focus on public engagement and community awareness.

Meanwhile, Siu mentioned reforms such as canceling the Physical Fitness Assessment and upgrading gym facilities to promote a healthy lifestyle among officers.

Addressing youth engagement, he urged the younger generation to adhere to the law, noting the force's efforts to raise awareness through school partnerships and educational videos in recent years.

Siu said he would deeply miss the police force, which he characterized as "the world's most efficient, dedicated, capable, and passionate team." 

Furthermore, he described Hong Kong as a blessed locale deserving of international attention.

Siu joined the Royal Hong Kong Police Force as a probationary inspector in December 1988. He was promoted to the Commissioner of Police in June 2021.

(Judy Cui)