Guided by fearlessness, loyalty and courage

Ayra Wang

The new police commissioner says he is committed to leading the force with the values of "fearlessness, loyalty and courage" that have guided him since joining in 1995.

Reflecting on his three-decade career, the 52-year-old Joe Chow recounted memorable postings ranging from his early days in Sham Shui Po to criminal investigations in Mong Kok.

He expressed particular pride in his intelligence unit work and praised colleagues who "maintain social order behind the scenes, away from the spotlight."

Chow highlighted his 2012-2013 secondment to Interpol's Lyon headquarters as career-defining.

"Working with global law enforcement revealed our strengths while exposing areas for growth," he said.

"That experience broadened my perspective immeasurably."

He became emotional when recalling two cases. One was an unsolved missing child investigation from his rookie days: "I still remember her name, face and case number."

The other was successfully locating a foreigner with dementia who disappeared before his son's wedding.

"Not every meaningful case involves major crime. Sometimes helping one person matters most," Chow said.

Regarding his command role in dealing with the 2019 protest, Chow acknowledged the unprecedented challenges but credited team cohesion.

"We worked endless hours balancing operational needs with officer welfare and those difficult days clarified my leadership philosophy."

Chow also dismissed suggestions the top job will change him.

"After 30 years, the pace feels familiar - busy but profoundly rewarding," he said.

"Finding work you love is a rare fortune."