Verbal abuse of police should be an offence
The incidents where members of the public insult police officers have increased.
Some people justify this behaviour by saying that it is a question of human rights and that it is fair and reasonable for them to vent their anger on members of the police force.
If an officer insults a citizen, that person can make a submission to the Complaints Against Police Office. However, there is nothing an officer can do if it is the citizen who is being verbally abusive. That kind of abuse can be a very humiliating experience for an officer.
Generally, when policemen encounter this sort of insulting behaviour they will put up with it and try to be patient. I think the government should change the law and it should be an offence to verbally insult an officer. This would act as a deterrent and give officers some protection when they are on duty.
I also think that the penalties for physical assault are too lenient. Custodial sentences for someone found guilty of assaulting a police officer should be increased.
It is thanks to the men and women on the force that criminals are arrested and brought to justice and social order is maintained in Hong Kong.
