A third of top police officers to quit before the handover

Almost a third of Hong Kong's senior police officers will leave the force before the handover - and the figure could be even higher by the end of the year.

With local officers having to apply for retirement a year in advance, police figures show that 44 - or about 30 per cent - ranked at Senior Superintendent to Senior Assistant Commissioner of Police levels have asked to leave by next July.

However, with expatriate officers serving with Her Majesty's Overseas Civil Service only having to give six months' notice, the rate of senior retirements could rise again in December.

While the force is satisfied with retirement levels because they are lower than expected, critics warned last night that it must have a sound line of succession in place if the 'alarmingly high' exodus was not to undermine policing.

Legislative Councillor Selina Chow Liang Shuk-yee said: 'Thirty per cent is alarmingly high. The Police Commissioner should tell the public clearly how they will make sure there are enough qualified people to fill the vacancies.' Justein Wong Chun, a member of the Independent Police Complaints Council, said: 'The force must train up enough people for succession now.' Senior Assistant Commissioner (Operations) Toby Emmet, 52, leaves next Monday and will be replaced by Benny Ng Ching-kwok, the former regional commander for Hong Kong island.

Three of the force's four assistant commissioners have applied for early retirement. Vince Walsh, 48, leaves in April while Angus Steveson-Hamilton, 49, and Ben Munford, 49, leave in January.

Assistant Commissioner (Crime) David Hodson will reach 55 in October and retire early next year.