The History of Policing in Hong Kong
The modern Hong Kong Police Force is a complex organisation. It has over 37,000 sworn officers, auxiliaries and civilians. It serves a population of eight million citizens, covering some 200 islands and the boundary with Mainland. A product of the British colonial era, the HKPF retains many of its features from pre-handover times. Yet, it continues to evolve.
The departure of the final cohort of expatriate officers is changing the face of policing. With it the cultural of the organisation shifts. Localisation of the HKPF started in the late 1980s. Chinese officers were fast-tracked to senior positions. With the handover on the horizon, this was natural and expected. Some expatriates remained after 1997, although in diminished numbers. They provide continuity. Symbolically they show that whilst sovereignty returned to China, Hong Kong kept its systems intact.
In recent years, the number of expatriates serving with the HKPF has dropped below the 100 mark. The impact of these changes is debatable. But let's consider the past first. It's a history that is colourful, open to discussion and interpretation.In its essence, it's about the Chinese, the Indians and Pakistanis officers, who made up the bulk of the service with Expatriates in a leading support role.
The departure of the final cohort of expatriate officers is changing the face of policing. With it the cultural of the organisation shifts. Localisation of the HKPF started in the late 1980s. Chinese officers were fast-tracked to senior positions. With the handover on the horizon, this was natural and expected. Some expatriates remained after 1997, although in diminished numbers. They provide continuity. Symbolically they show that whilst sovereignty returned to China, Hong Kong kept its systems intact.
In recent years, the number of expatriates serving with the HKPF has dropped below the 100 mark. The impact of these changes is debatable. But let's consider the past first. It's a history that is colourful, open to discussion and interpretation.In its essence, it's about the Chinese, the Indians and Pakistanis officers, who made up the bulk of the service with Expatriates in a leading support role.
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