Police inspectors last night voted to support proposals to scrap four ranks and allow officers to retire early and keep their pension.
The proposal by the Local Inspectors' Association would streamline the police hierarchy from 12 ranks to eight.
This means scrapping one rank from each of the commissioner, superintendent, inspector and rank-and-file grades.
Association chairman Tony Liu Kit-ming said the proposal would help save taxpayers' money. 'This is in line with the civil service reforms,' he said. Some 200 members voted for the option while five abstained.
The proposal will be tabled to the Civil Service Bureau and the Security Bureau for consideration.
Other counter-suggestions backed by the inspectors were to retain pensionable appointments and improve internal disciplinary proceedings.
