National security law: Hong Kong could have third deputy police chief to head new unit akin to Special Branch operations
- The unit could have as many as 200 people at its launch, sources say
- One possible candidate is Edwina Lau Chi-wai, current director of management services, according to insiders
The new unit could have as many as 200 people at its launch and operate in a way similar to the colonial-era Special Branch under Royal Hong Kong Police Force. The branch was headed by a director holding the rank of deputy commissioner, who reported directly to the commissioner and the governor. It was said to be commanded by Britain’s MI5 and worked in conjunction with MI6 in the city, before being disbanded in 1995.
After Hong Kong was handed back to mainland China in 1997, the number of police deputy commissioners was down to two. They are responsible for the force’s operations and management.
“The possible new deputy chief will head the special unit and report to the police commissioner,” one source said.
One possible candidate is Edwina Lau Chi-wai, the current director of management services, according to insiders.