Commitment to support youths, help them avoid irrational choices

Ayra Wang

Commissioner of Police Joe Chow promised the force will continue to reach out to youths as he recalled the 2019 siege at Polytechnic University when youngsters were "manipulated by poisonous instigators and made irrational decisions."

The veteran officer, who served as Kowloon West deputy commander during the unrest, said he came across emotionally overwhelmed youngsters at protest scenes.

"Many couldn't even explain why they joined, and they just cried when being questioned," Chow said. "They followed their peers without rational thought."

The 14-day standoff in November 2019 saw protesters barricade themselves on campus while hurling gasoline bombs and bricks.

Chow, then serving as incident commander, prioritized humanitarian concerns over arrests. "The environment was hazardous. Even now, six years later, my first order would remain: 'Get medical attention first. Arrests can wait.' "

He said each relevant case is being individually assessed.

Recent surveys show police approval among youngsters aged between 18 to 29 surge by 37.9 percent between 2021 and 2024, which Chow attributes to youth outreach programs emphasizing rule-of-law values.

"Some went astray because they lacked legal awareness," said Chow, pledging to continue efforts to "help the misguided reintegrate into society."

He said "poisonous" instigators "pushed forward youths unaware of consequences" and said the force will continue promoting law-abiding awareness, proper values and critical judgment among youngsters.

The force currently operates school programs like Junior Police Call and anti-drug initiatives using interactive methods.

Regarding protest permits, Chow affirmed people's right to assemble but cautioned that the 2019 events proved some gatherings could become "platforms for destruction under peaceful pretenses."

People have a right to express their opinions, he added, but others also have a right not to be affected.