Police watchdog member walks back support for officers not wearing ID numbers amid Hong Kong anti-government protests
- In the face of criticism, Christopher Cheung says he was simply worried the numbers could lead to officers’ and their families’ information being published
- Activists say officers not showing their ID means they escape complaints of excessive force
A senior member of Hong Kong’s police watchdog said on Thursday that elite anti-riot officers should not be required to show their identification numbers, to avoid their family members’ personal data being exposed.
But Christopher Cheung Wah-fung, vice-chairman of the Independent Police Complaints Council (IPCC), later walked back his comments in the face of criticism, saying people should take their concerns to the force.
On a radio programme on Thursday morning, Cheung was asked whether members of the police Special Tactical Squad, also know as Raptors, should display ID numbers on their uniforms, a question made more urgent by allegations of the officers using excessive force on anti-government protesters since mass protests kicked off in June.
Activists say officers not showing their ID numbers means they escape the possibility of being reported and reprimanded for any misdeeds in the field.
But Cheung said the numbers were not necessary. “When their families and children’s information could be exposed on the internet at any time ... it would be unfair to require them to show everything,” he said. “Those officers have to enforce laws without having to worry about the consequences.”