Hong Kong’s police force changed their motto from “We Serve with Pride and Care” to “Serving Hong Kong with Honour, Duty and Loyalty” on the day its new chief took office on Tuesday.

Chris Tang took his oath as the police commissioner on Tuesday, replacing Stephen Lo who had been in the role since 2015.

The Hong Kong Police Force’s (HKPF) old motto (left) and new motto (right). Photo: HKPF website screenshot.

The old police motto had been in place since as late as 2013.

A police press conference on November 19. Photo: inmediahk.net.

When asked about the change, Police Public Relations Branch Chief Superintendent Kwok Ka-chuen said the new slogan had been introduced at events this year to celebrate the 175th anniversary of the Hong Kong Police Force.

“The police force has evolved over time. We will use a new motto in reference to changes in current society,” he said.

Chris Tang and Carrie Lam. Photo: GovHK.

“The new motto expresses the honour, duty and loyalty of our colleagues, hoping that we will meet the ever-increasing demand from the public,” he added.

Hong Kong has been shaken by 25 weeks of unrest triggered by a now-withdrawn extradition bill which would have enabled fugitive transfer to mainland China. The movement has evolved into wider calls for democratic reform and accountability for the police handling of the crisis.

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