More eye to be part of force

The police force received 478 applications during its recruitment experience and assessment day.

Walter Chan Kit-fung, superintendent of the recruitment division, said application numbers saw a "significant increase" and that the turnout for yesterday's event - 1,100 residents - was as enthusiastic as before.

Of the 478 applications, 108 were for probationary inspectors, 337 were for constables and 33 for auxiliary constable.

"Through various recruitment strategies, we are glad to see increases in both the number of applicants and new recruits," Chan said.

In the 2022-23 financial year 7,997 recruitment applications were received, of which 3,391 were for probationary inspectors and 4,606 for constables.

From April 1 to Nov 30 there were 8,550 applications, with 3,534 for probationary inspectors and 5,016 for constables. This eight-month figure has already surpassed the total number of applicants from last year.

There has also been a notable increase in intake numbers. Last year a total of 554 constables were recruited. This year up till now, 621 people have already been recruited.

"[I applied] to become a police officer because the salary is more stable and my family has elderly members and children to support," said Lee, 29, a former Hong Kong track and field athlete.

"This experience and assessment day was more sincere. I attended experience day three times before but still found it very refreshing," said James Wong, 20, a student from University of Science and Technology.

Meanwhile, assistant commissioner of police of operations Lui Kam-ho will be promoted to director of management services while four chief superintendents will be promoted to assistant commissioners next month, sources said.

The position of director of management services has been vacant since Rebecca Lam Hiu-tong left earlier this year to serve as deputy secretary of the Committee for Safeguarding National Security of the HKSAR.

The four chief superintendents include Kowloon West deputy regional commander Jim Ng Lok-chun, chief superintendent of crime wing headquarters Tsui Sheung-yee, Tsuen Wan district commander Almerick Ng Cheuk-hang and chief superintendent of financial intelligence and investigation bureau Lam Man-han.

Sources say Tsui is highly likely to become assistant commissioner of service quality.

Almerick Ng will be promoted to Kowloon West regional commander and Lam will serve as New Territories North regional commander.