Hong Kong’s top policewoman will step down early to head Office of the Ombudsman in April
- Insiders say deputy police commissioner Winnie Chiu will leave the force after 36 years, months before official retirement age of 57
The highest ranked woman in Hong Kong police’s 175-year history will step down early to head the government’s watchdog – the Office of the Ombudsman – in April, the Post has learned.
Winnie Chiu Wai-yin, the first woman to ever hold the role of deputy police commissioner, will leave the force in March, after 36 years of service. Her sudden departure will come about five months ahead of her hitting the official retirement age of 57.
Three government insiders said Chiu, who is earning about HK$240,000 (US$30,600) a month, was expected to succeed Ombudsman Connie Lau Yin-hing, whose contract ends on March 31. The five-year contract would award Chiu a monthly salary of HK$281,750.
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“Chiu planned to depart in June to facilitate the force’s internal promotion. Now she has pushed her plan even earlier and will take pre-retirement leave in early March,” one source said. “The police top brass is aware of the situation.”
The Post understands that the force will hold a mess-night dinner next month to bid farewell to the deputy chief.
Another insider said Chiu fit the position of Ombudsman given her leadership and rich experience in investigation and administration. “She is also well respected not only in the force but also in the government and community.”
The force and the Civil Service Bureau declined to comment, while the Administration Wing, which is responsible for the recruitment exercise, said: “The exercise is still ongoing. The government will make an announcement in due course.”