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Hong Kong police
Hong KongLaw and Crime

Hong Kong security minister to follow up and ‘keep an open mind’ on review of police work guidelines

Police union holds discussions with officials over use of force and laws protecting officers on duty in the wake of Frankly Chu case

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Protesters and police clash during the 2014 Occupy movement, the consequences of which are still reverberating today in court cases that have sparked controversy. Photo: AFP/ Alex Ogle
Danny MokandChristy Leung

Hong Kong’s security minister acknowledged the difficulties faced by frontline officers on duty and promised to follow up on their concerns over the use of force after a meeting with police union members on Monday.

Junior Police Officers’ Association chairman Joe Chan Cho-kwong said however that his group was disappointed with the response of Secretary for the Civil Service Joshua Law Chi-kong in another discussion. He said Law failed to make any promise to address their concerns.

About 10 members of the association, which represents two-thirds of officers in the force, held separate emergency meetings with Secretary for Security John Lee Ka-chiu and Law to discuss how to strengthen protection for frontline law enforcers.

Hong Kong police union demands meeting with civil service and security chiefs amid ‘morale crisis’

The talks were prompted by the jailing of former superintendent Frankly Chu, who was sentenced to three months behind bars for hitting a bystander with a baton during the 2014 Occupy protests. Chu was released on bail pending his appeal after the sentence on January 3.
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The ruling caused an uproar and resentment among police ranks, according to the association.

Chan said that during the meeting with Lee, which lasted for about 45 minutes, members expressed the difficulties encountered while carrying out their duties, concerns over working guidelines, as well as the issue of protective gear for officers.

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Secretary for Security John Lee met members of a police union. Photo: Sam Tsang
Secretary for Security John Lee met members of a police union. Photo: Sam Tsang

Lee was quoted as saying he would proactively follow up on the points raised.

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