Deputy police chief in bid to strike balance

Stacy Shi

Deputy police commissioner Joe Chow Yat-ming underscored the importance of teamwork and the need to foster a sense of belonging among younger officers while reflecting on his journey in the force's magazine OffBeat, published in October.

Chow, a 30-year veteran, said his passion for justice led him to pursue a career in law enforcement.

Despite initially prioritizing university sports over joining the police auxiliary force, he eventually decided to apply for the post of probationary inspector after graduating.

His early years in the criminal investigation unit were both challenging and rewarding, underlining the importance of teamwork and camaraderie in tackling complex cases.

"Working in criminal investigations was tough but fulfilling. I was fortunate to be part of an exceptional team that shared the same goals and worked seamlessly together," he recalled.

In 2012, he was seconded to the Interpol general secretariat in Lyon, France, as a criminal intelligence officer, exposing him to diverse cultures and practices.

"The experience was invaluable in broadening my perspective. Such opportunities are rarely found outside the police force."

With his extensive experience, Chow was promoted from chief superintendent to deputy commissioner within two years.

As deputy commissioner, Chow said he is committed to understanding the younger generation of officers and fostering mutual respect between experienced leaders and young recruits.

"It's not about dismissing each others' ideas. It's about combining youth energy with our experience to build a stronger force," he said.

Chow also highlighted the need to support frontline officers, who are the backbone of the force.