New top cop vows stability, strength amid challenges

Ayra Wang

New Police Commissioner Joe Chow Yat-ming vowed to make Hong Kong one of the safest and most stable places in the world, while dismissing US sanctions as attempts to distract the city from prioritizing national security efforts. He also asserted the sanctions will not impact international cooperation.

Chow's remarks came after China's State Council appointed him to succeed retired commissioner Raymond Siu Chak-yee, following Chief Executive John Lee Ka-chiu's recommendation.

"I will lead the force without fear to face all challenges, continuing our mission with loyalty and courage," Chow said in his first media briefing yesterday.

"These bullying tactics only demonstrate that our national security work has been effective."

The 52-year-old veteran officer, the youngest to be named police commissioner, thanked Lee and the State Council for their trust while paying tribute to predecessor Siu for navigating "numerous challenges" in maintaining stability.

Chow pledged to build upon his predecessors' legacy, saying they had "planted many seeds," particularly in youth engagement programs such as Junior Police Call and innovative anti-drug initiatives.

The new top cop also identified three key priorities, including strengthening national security awareness amid "soft resistance," utilizing technologies to promote smart policing and enhance operational efficiency, as well as strengthening officers' shared values and sense of belonging through better support and development opportunities.

Chow, who joined the force in 1995, spent much of his early career in criminal investigations at district, regional, and headquarters levels.

His expertise in intelligence gathering led to a 2012 secondment to Interpol's general secretariat in Lyon, France, where he served as a criminal intelligence officer. Promoted to superintendent in 2010, Chow later headed the Criminal Intelligence Bureau as senior superintendent in 2013.

By 2016, he took command of the Yau Tsim Mong district after being promoted to chief superintendent.

He played a key role in quelling the 2019 social unrest as Kowloon West deputy commander, notably during the siege at Hong Kong Polytechnic University in November of that year.

His rapid promotions included as assistant commissioner (operations) in 2020, senior assistant commissioner overseeing criminal security by 2021, and deputy commissioner in 2022.

His recent work included stress-testing Hong Kong's new Kai Tak Sports Park as head of a cross-departmental task force.

Lee expressed strong confidence in Chow's leadership, citing his 30 years of experience in investigations, intelligence and management, and thanked Siu for his service.

Chow has had a "distinguished performance and possesses proven leadership skills. I am confident that he will capably lead the Police Force in meeting the challenges ahead," Lee said.

Four staff representative associations under the Police Force Council congratulated Chow. It is understood that the new police chief has met with the heads of the four groups.

Lam Chi-wai, chairman of Junior Police Officers' Association, expressed support for the new police chief, who he said is very open-minded, deeply cares about frontline staff and understands the perspectives of officers from the younger generation.