Police finding various non-lethal weapons, Chris Tang says

Police were looking into various non-lethal weapons, police commissioner Chris Tang Ping-keung said in response to reports that taser guns could be introduced.

In a visit to the Cheung Chau police station this afternoon, Tang said the force had introduced two types of new weapons -- tear gas water jets and pepper ball pistols.

“Our purpose of developing new weapons is to have more options other than live rounds to reduce the level of force,” Tang said.

He stressed the upgrade of non-lethal weapons was to ensure people’s safety and achieving goals using less force.

Earlier, sources said the police have bought a small number of taser guns for testing, but the force has not decided whether or not to use the guns in Hong Kong.

Tang also told the media that the cases of illegal lighting of fireworks have surged during the Chinese New Year, and officers will continue to prevent such cases.

Tang arrived at Cheung Chau at around 11am today to visit officers and he stayed at the police station for around 20 minutes. He also greeted residents and visitors while walking to the police station.