Know them by names, not by numbers

Hong Kong police have introduced new badges for officers to allow the public to identify force members by name instead of number.

The new badges have been issued to all officers, including auxiliaries, and from the beginning of last week must be worn while officers are on 'indoor duties' .

It's the first time Hong Kong police have been required to display their names; the move is intended to raise the public's image of the force by making identification easier for people who will know immediately who to contact when following up on their cases.

Police support wing superintendent (field) Felix Law Cheuk-hung said the badges had been introduced as part of customer service improvements being undertaken across the force.

'Public respect will be improved by officers' wearing the tags as they will be addressed by name rather than by a number,' he said. 'This will enhance their image. Staff of most service- related professions carry name badges as part of their culture of service quality.'

The badge was being introduced following positive feedback from trials at North Point, Sau Mau Ping and Sha Tin Police Stations and among officers of the rank of superintendent and above.