In the early 1970s, Hong Kong’s law and order situation faced grave challenges and the community yearned for safety and stability. Crime fighting is not just a matter of police work: it calls on the co-operation of every citizen.
So, in 1973, the Government set up the Fight Violent Crime Committee, later renamed the Fight Crime Committee (FCC). That year, the police launched the “Good Citizen Award Scheme” (GCA), co-organised by the FCC and supported by the Hong Kong General Chamber of Commerce (HKGCC), to encourage the public to help the police in preventing, reporting and fighting crime.
Active for half a century, the GCA is regarded as one of our most effective community schemes. Since its inception, more than 4,500 good citizens have received awards for outstanding service. I am grateful to the HKGCC, FCC and, of course, our good citizens for the programme’s illustrious legacy in promoting the safety and stability of our society.
Over the past 50 years, Hong Kong has faced and overcome various challenges. Today, our overall crime rate is indeed low in comparison with other cities of a similar size.
The golden jubilee of the GCA serves as a great opportunity to tell good stories about our good citizens, pay tribute to their courage and generosity, as well as encourage different sectors of the community to help prevent and combat crime.
I thank all who have been supporting the GCA and look forward to their continued efforts. Hong Kong is our home and every one of us has a role in keeping it safe. I am sure that with everyone upholding the spirit of good citizenship, abiding by the law and helping those in need, Hong Kong will remain one of the world’s safest and most stable societies.
John KC Lee
HKSAR Chief Executive
