HONGKONG POLICING SYSTEM

Logo of the Hong Kong

Police Force 香港警務處
Motto
We Serve with Pride and
Care
服務為本 精益求精
 
 
The Hong Kong Police Force (HKPF), also
known as the Hong Kong Police (HKP), is the
largest disciplined service under the
Security Bureau of Hong Kong. It is the
world's second, and Asia's first, police
agency to operate with a modern policing
system It was formed on 1 May 1844 by the
British Hong Kong government with a
strength of 32 officers. In 1969, Queen
Elizabeth II granted the 'Royal' prefix and the
HKPF became the "Royal Hong Kong Police
Force". Following the transfer of sovereignty
in 1997, the Royal Hong Kong Police Force
was renamed Hong Kong Police Force.[2]
History

 The ethnic composition of the inaugural force

consisted of mixed Chinese, European nationals
or Indians.[1] Policemen from different ethnic
groups were assigned a different alphabetical
letter before their batch numbers: "A" for
Europeans, "B" for Indians, "C" for local
Chinese who spoke Cantonese, and "D" for
Chinese recruited from Shandong Province.
"E" was later assigned to White Russians who
arrived from Siberia after the Russian Civil War.
 The current Commissioner of Police is
Stephen Lo Wai-chung.[3] Including the
Hong Kong Auxiliary Police Force and civil
servants, the force consists of about 40,000
personnel; which gives Hong Kong the second
highest police officer/citizen ratio in the world
as of 2014. In addition, the Marine Region with
about 3,000 officers and a fleet of 143 vessels,
is the largest of any civil police force.
The Hong Kong Police has been serving
Hong Kong since shortly after the island was
established as a colony in 1841. On 30 April 1841,
12 weeks after the British landed in Hong Kong,
Captain Charles Elliot established a police force in
the new colony. The first chief of police was
Captain William Caine, who also served as the
Chief Magistrate.[7]
The recruitment of Europeans to the force ceased
in 1994, and in 1995 the Hong Kong Police
became responsible for patrolling the boundary
with China. Prior to 1995, the British Army was
responsible for border patrol. 1997 saw Britain's
return of the sovereignty of Hong Kong to
mainland China. The Force played a prominent
role in the handover celebrations and continues to
perform flag raising ceremonial duties to this day.
Structure

 The Force is commanded by the Commissioner

of Police, who is assisted by two deputy
commissioners; a "Deputy Commissioner –
Operations" supervises all operational
matters including crime and a "Deputy
Commissioner – Management" is responsible
for the direction and co-ordination of force
management including personnel, training,
and management services.
For day-to-day policing (Operations), the
Force is organized into six regions:

 Hong Kong Island

 Kowloon East
 Kowloon West
 New Territories North
 New Territories South
 Marine Region
The Force Headquarters (Management) is
made up of five departments:

 Operations & Support

 Crime & Security
 Personnel & Training
 Management Services
 Finance, Administration and Planning
Department (Operations and Support)

 Police Force operational matters are coordinated by the

Operations & Support Department. Land Operations and
Support are divided into six regions, whereas marine matters
are managed by the marine police organized as one Marine
Region. Each land region comprises two wings, the operations
wing and support wing, and a traffic headquarters (which is part
of the operations wing). The department is charged with the
formulation and implementation of policies, the monitoring of
activities and the efficient deployment of personnel and
resources. Operations Wing coordinates counter terrorism,
internal security, anti illegal-immigration measures, bomb
disposal commitments and contingency planning for natural
disasters—they are also responsible for the Police Dog Unit.
“A “Operations Wing

 The Operations Wing consists of three sections:

Operations Bureau, the Police Tactical Unit and the
Explosive Ordnance Disposal Bureau.
 Operations Bureau: Comprises the Operations
Division, the Counter-Terrorism and Internal Security
Division, and the Key Points and Search Division
which includes the Police Dog Unit. It deals mainly
with the staffing of operational matters which include
the formulation and dissemination of relevant Force
orders, boundary security, deployment of resources
and liaison with the Hong Kong garrison.
 Operations Division
 Regional Command and Control Centre provides the means for
exercising control over resources both at regional and district levels. It
also acts as an information centre for the passage of information to the
Headquarters CCC and other agencies. Equipped with the Enhanced
Computer Assisted Command and Control System, each Centre receives
999 calls from the public and provides a fast and efficient service to
operational officers.
 Emergency Unit comprises the ordinary uniformed policemen. The unit
is primarily tasked with regular patrol beats as well as providing quick
responses to emergency situations such as 999 calls, as well as a speedy
and additional presence of uniformed police on the ground to combat
crime. An EU comprises a headquarters element and four platoons which
operate on a three-shift basis.
 Police Tactical Unit
 Special Duties Unit (SDU)
 Airport Security Unit (ASU)
 Counter Terrorism Response Unit (CTRU) created in
2009 as a means to deal with terror threats in Hong Kong.
The unit initially trained with the NYPD Hercules Team.
 Explosive Ordnance Disposal Bureau is a special
standalone unit within the Operations and Support Wing.
Its main responsibilities are bomb disposal work both on
land and underwater. It also trains officers on explosives
related matters and inspects storage of ammunition and
explosives.
 The Anti-Illegal Immigration Control Centre is responsible
for collecting intelligence and monitoring operations in
respect to illegal immigrants from the Mainland and
Vietnam.
 Administration Formation implements policies laid down by
the Regional Commander and is responsible for the Region's
general administration. Its responsibilities include community
relations, staff relations, and magistrates.
 Crime Formation; investigates serious and inter-district
crimes. In addition, it collects, collates and evaluates
intelligence on criminals and criminal activity within the
Region.
 The Traffic Branch Headquarters covers traffic control,
enforcement of traffic legislation and regulations,
investigation of traffic accidents, promotion of road safety,
and implementing Force and Regional traffic policies.
Support Wing
 There are Support Wings in each of the land
regions. A Support Wing oversees the execution
and staffing of operational support matters,
including the formulation of operational policies
for both the regular and
Hong Kong Auxiliary Police Force and for
updating kits and equipment. It is also
responsible for the various licensing functions of
the Force. The co-ordination of all
public relations activities is arranged through
the Police Public Relations Branch. There are
three branches in a support wing:
 Traffic branch Headquarters is responsible for
formulating force priorities, policies and
procedures on matters related to traffic, co-
coordinating their implementation and monitoring
their effects .
 Support Branch is sub-divided into five divisions:
 Field Division is responsible for co-coordinating
policy matters relating to firearms, equipment,
uniforms and operational procedures. Projects
undertaken by the Division during the year
included the force-wide introduction of the OC
Foam and the new, expandable baton.
 General Division handles policy matters relating to station
procedures; the security and management of the Police
Headquarters (PHQ) complex; and diverse other duties.
During the year, the Division played a major role in the
streamlining of station procedures; making arrangements
for the reallocation of offices and facilities; formulating a
new policy for parking at the PHQ as required by the PHQ
Redevelopment Project and such other duties as co-
coordinating the Force involvement in the District Council
elections.
 Transport Division is responsible for the management and
deployment of the Force fleet of approximately 2,400
vehicles, driver establishment and the acquisition of new
police vehicles. It also administers all policy matters relating
to police transport requirements.
  Force Data and Access to Information Co-ordination
Unit is responsible for co-ordinating the Force response
to devising internal policy on and ensuring compliance
with the provisions of the Personal Data (Privacy)
Ordinance and the Code on Access to Information.
 Police Licensing Office acts as the licensing authority for
a number of licenses and permits.
 Police Public Relations Branch is responsible for
maintaining a high level of public confidence by
robustly projecting a positive image of the Force
through community and media relations. It is sub-
divided into two branches:
 Community Relations Bureau
 The Information and Publicity Bureau
"B" Department (Crime and Security)
 Crime & Security Department is responsible for
the force policy regarding the investigation of
crimes and matters of a security nature. Crime
Wing consists of a number of operational bureau
and specialized units. The operational bureau deal
with specific areas of criminal activity whereas the
specialized units provide support services to
operational units in the force and deal with policy
matters on various issues including child abuse,
domestic violence and witness protection. Security
Wing provides VIP protection and security co-
ordination, including counter-terrorism.
Crime Wing
 Organized Crime and Triad Bureau
 investigate major organized and serious crime involving all types of
activities such as theft/smuggling of vehicles, human trafficking,
firearms, vice, debt collection, syndicated gambling and extortion. It
also investigates triad societies and their hierarchies with particular
emphasis on their involvement in organized crime. It begins arresting
opposition political leaders starting from 2015.[10]
 Criminal Intelligence Bureau (CIB) is the Force's central co-
coordinating body for intelligence on crime and criminality which, after
analysis and assessment, is disseminated to crime investigation units
as required. In addition, the CIB works closely with the OCTB and other
Crime Wing bureau in tackling triad and organized crime syndicates. To
strengthen the criminal intelligence capability within the Force, the
Bureau also organizes related training courses and seminars for
investigators. Criminal Investigation Division or CID are sub-division
located in each district.
 Commercial Crime Bureau (CCB) investigates serious
commercial and business fraud, computer-related crimes,
the forgery of monetary instruments, identity documents
and payment cards, and the counterfeiting of currency and
coins. It liaises very closely with
international law enforcement agencies on exchange of
intelligence and requests for investigation from other
jurisdictions alleging criminal conduct in relation to
commercial transactions.
 Narcotics Bureau (NB) investigates serious drug cases such
as importation and manufacture of illicit drugs, and gathers
intelligence in relation to major drug activities. It also
conducts investigations in partnership with overseas law
enforcement agencies whenever there is a Hong Kong
connection to international drug trafficking. The Bureau is
also responsible for financial investigations using powers
granted under the Drug Trafficking (Recovery of Proceeds)
Ordinance, Organized and Serious Crimes Ordinance and
 Support Group is made up of units which
provide a technical and professional service
to support criminal investigation, including
Criminal Records Bureau, Identification
Bureau, Forensic Firearms Examination
Bureau, Witness Protection Unit and Child
Protection Policy Unit. The group also fulfils
a liaison responsibility for the
Forensic pathology Service and the Forensic
Science Division.
Security Wing

 - is responsible for a range of security-

related matters including VIP protection,
counter-terrorism and security co-
ordination.[12]
 Witness protection Unit
 VIP Protection Unit (VIPPU)
 Police Negotiation Cadre
"C" Department (Personnel
and Training)
 Personnel Wing is responsible for all core human
resource management functions, including
recruitment, promotion, conditions of service, staff
relations and welfare matters.
 In recent years, the Personnel Wing has also usurped
the near exclusive right in adjudicating disciplinary
proceedings brought against Inspectors and Junior
Officers. The establishment of a dedicated unit to
preside over disciplinary proceedings gave senior
officers in the Personnel Wing easy avenues to
influence the outcome of the proceedings.
 Hong Kong Police College is responsible for all matters
relating to training within the Hong Kong Police except
internal security, Auxiliary and Marine Police training.
Training provided by the Police College includes recruit
and continuation training, crime investigation training,
police driver training and weapon tactics training. The
information technology training, command training,
local and overseas management training, some
specialist courses and periodic courses on firearms and
first aid are also provided by the Police College.
 Hong Kong Police Band
"D" Department (Management
Services)
 Information Systems Wing has two branches
and one bureau dealing with communications,
information technology and business services.
Communications Branch designs, acquires,
examines and maintains all force
communications networks and equipment
including radio, video, navigational aids, speed
detection radar, mobile phones, pagers, office
telephones and mini firing range equipment.
 Information Technology Branch is responsible for
the planning, development, implementation,
operation and maintenance of information
technology systems. It has over 10,000 terminals
installed throughout Hong Kong supporting the
Force in the spheres of command and control,
criminal records, crime intelligence analysis,
fingerprint identification, reports to Police, human
and financial resources planning and management,
transport management, licensing, and e-mail.
 Business Services Bureau coordinates the business needs of the five
departments of the Force. It consists of the Business Services Division,
the e-Police Division and the Major Systems Division which acts as the
System "Owner" for systems used Force-wide.
 Service Quality Wing is responsible for spearheading initiatives to
improve services provided to force customers both external and
internal. The wing comprises three branches: Performance Review,
Research and Inspections and Complaints and Internal
Investigations (C&II). The Wing is responsible for implementing the
force strategy on 'service quality' which aims at promoting efficiency,
effectiveness and economy, whilst pursuing continuous improvement.
The C&II Branch which includes the Complaints Against Police Office
(CAPO) oversees the investigation and successful resolution of all
complaints made both externally and internally against members of
the force. The work of CAPO is closely monitored by the Independent
Police Complaints Council to ensure that all complaints against police
officers and traffic wardens are fully and impartially investigated. The
findings of CAPO are then endorsed by the IPCC subject to their
queries which is not rare after the enactment of IPCC Ordinance in
2009.
"E" Department (Finance,
Administration & Planning)
 Finance Wing is responsible for the financial
management, stores and internal audit of the Force.
Administration Wing is responsible for civilian staff,
force establishment matters and the management
of the Police Museum. Planning and Development
Branch (P&D) coordinates strategic thinking and
planning on options for the operational policing of
Hong Kong into the foreseeable future. It is
responsible for maintaining and modernizing the
police estate and for running projects for the
construction of new police buildings/facilities.
Ranks and insignia
 The HKPF continues to use similar ranks and
insignia to those used in British police forces.
Until 1997, the St Edward's Crown was used in
the insignia, when it was replaced with the
Bauhinia flower crest of the Hong Kong
government. The crest of the force was
modified in 1997. The rank structure,
organization and insignia are similar to that
used by the Metropolitan Police Service until
the mid-1970s.[13]
 Hong Kong Police Force Hierarchy 
 
 The Hong Kong police service works under the
Bureau of Hong Kong and is the largest
disciplined service under it. The police force of
Hong Kong has brought many laurels for the
country as it is ranked as Asia’s first and world’s
second police force which operates with the
modern policing system.
 The Hong Kong police force has adopted its
ranks structure and insignia from British forces.
Following are the ranks and organizational
structure of Hong Kong police force hierarchy:
Entry Requirements

 If you wish to join the Hong Kong Police Force as

Inspector or Constable, you are expected to meet the
requirements listed below.
 Nationality
You must be a permanent resident of the Hong Kong
Special Administrative Region and have lived in Hong
Kong for at least seven years.
 Academic and Language Proficiency Requirements
You must also possess the following academic
qualifications before you can be considered for the
post of Inspector / Constable.
 Inspector  |   Police Constable
 Academic Requirements
 Candidates should have -
 a Bachelor degree from a Hong Kong university, or equivalent; or
 an accredited Associate Degree from a Hong Kong tertiary
institution, or a Higher Diploma from a Hong Kong polytechnic /
polytechnic university / Hong Kong Institute of Vocational
Education / technical college, or a Diploma from a registered
post-secondary college awarded after the date of its registration,
or equivalent; or
 Level 3 or equivalent (Note 1) or above in five subjects in the
Hong Kong Diploma of Secondary Education Examination
(HKDSEE) (Note 2), or equivalent; or
 Grade E or above in two subjects at Advanced Level in the Hong
Kong Advanced Level Examination and Level 3 (Note 3) / Grade C
or above in three other subjects in the Hong Kong Certificate of
Education Examination (HKCEE) (Note 2)
 Language Proficiency Requirements
 met the language proficiency requirements of Level 1 results
in the two language papers (Use of Chinese and Use of
English) in the Common Recruitment Examination, or
equivalent; or
 Level 2 (Note 3) or above in Chinese Language and English
Language in HKDSEE or HKCEE, or equivalent; or
 Applicants not meeting the above requirement may still
apply. They will be exempted from this requirement if they
have a pass in the English Language Proficiency Test and
Chinese Language Proficiency Test for Police Inspector
recruitment exercise
 be able to read and write Chinese and speak fluent
Cantonese.
Police Constable/ Academic Requirements
 Level 2 or equivalent (Note 1) or above in five
subjects in the Hong Kong Diploma of
Secondary Education Examination (HKDSEE)
(Note 2), or equivalent; or
 Level 2 (Note 3) / Grade E or above in five
subjects in the Hong Kong Certificate of
Education Examination (HKCEE) (Note 2), or
equivalent; and
Language Proficiency Requirements

 Level 2 (Note 3) or above in English Language in

HKDSEE or HKCEE, or equivalent;
 Level 2 (Note 3) or above in Chinese Language in
HKDSEE or HKCEE, or equivalent. Applicant
without the minimum required Chinese language
proficiency standard may also apply for the post.
They will be referred to sit for and must pass the
Government Standard Examination; and
 be able to read and write Chinese and speak
fluent Cantonese.
Note
 For civil service appointment purpose, “Attained with Distinction” in
Applied Learning subjects (subject to a maximum of two Applied
Learning subjects), and Grade C in Other Language subjects in the
HKDSEE are accepted as equivalent to Level 3 in the New Senior
Secondary subjects in the HKDSEE. “Attained” in Applied Learning
subjects (subject to a maximum of two Applied Learning subjects),
and Grade E in Other Language subjects in the HKDSEE are
accepted as equivalent to Level 2 in the New Senior Secondary
subjects in the HKDSEE.
 The subjects may include Chinese Language and English Language.
 For civil service appointment purpose, ‘Grade C’ and ‘Grade E’ in
Chinese Language and English Language (Syllabus B) in the HKCEE
before 2007 are accepted administratively as comparable to ‘Level 3’
and ‘Level 2’ respectively in Chinese
 Language and English Language in the 2007 HKCEE and henceforth.
Physique

 You must have a good physique as you will be

required to pass a physical fitness test during
the selection process. If you are a male
candidate, you should be at least 163cm tall
and weigh 50kg. For female candidates, you
must be at least 152cm tall and weigh 42kg.
You must have good eyesight and you are
required to pass an initial eyesight test without
the aid of any eyesight correction tools.
Essential Attributes

 Mature personality
 Good physical fitness
 Confidence
 Effective communication ability
 Commissioner of Police (CP)
Mr LO Wai-chung, Stephen

Deputy Commissioner of Police, Management (DCP MAN) Deputy Commissioner of Police, Operations (DCP
Mr CHAU Kwok-leung, Alfred OPS)
Mr WONG Chi-hung, Tony
Under the five Departments, there are 11 Major Formations,
each commanded by an Assistant Commissioner of Police or
equivalent civilian officer, except the Planning and
Development Branch which is commanded by a Chief
Superintendent of Police. Frontline policing is delivered by six
Regions, each commanded by an Assistant Commissioner of
Police.
Commissioner's Rank Badge

Deputy Commissioner's Rank Badge

Senior Assistant Commissioner's Rank

Badge

Assistant Commissioner's Rank Badge

Chief Superintendent of Police - (rank below Assistant
Commissioner). Normally commands a Branch or District
Formation.

Senior Superintendent of Police - normally commands Bureau, or

is second in charge of a District.

Superintendent of Police - normally commands a Headquarters

Unit or Police Division

Chief Inspector of Police - normally second in charge of a

Headquarters Unit or Police Division.
Senior Inspector of Police - sub unit commander

Inspector of Police - sub unit commander

Probationary Inspector of Police - sub unit

commander

Station Sergeant - sub unit commander or second in

charge of sub unit
Sergeant - sector commander, vehicle commander

Senior Constable - beat patrol officer

Constable - beat patrol officer

BS Criminology 4-1A

Sonza,Agustin Carlo
Lipio,Laurence
Gamboa,Yhurie