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Jiang Chuqin

When Tang Wai-kit quit his teaching post to join the Hong Kong Police Force this year, his friends and family voiced worries that he might end up in a job with less pay but bigger safety risks.
But the 26-year-old was determined to forge a new path for himself.
This week he and 163 others completed a six-month constable training at the Police College, joining the increasing number of residents opting for a career in the force.
“As a teacher, I only serve my students. But as a police officer, I can serve the whole city,” Tang said.
He added that his duties as a police officer offered more immediate results compared with the slower tempo of education.
Tang, who majored in Chinese language at university, took up a teaching job in the subject at a secondary school after graduating last year.
He decided to apply as a constable, the most junior rank, after seeing ads for vacancies and with the hope of helping Hongkongers in a more impactful way.
Tang said his family and friends had tried to persuade him to stay on as a teacher because it offered a better salary and the profession was less dangerous.
“Whether I take up this job is not just about money. There are also things that I care more about and that may bring me some meaning and sense of satisfaction,” he said.
Another constable who graduated from the same batch also joined after changing her career plans.

Hollis Chau Sau-lai, 26, was a medical student in mainland China’s Guangzhou before joining the training.
She was recruited through a university programme targeting young Hongkongers living across the border.
“I want to challenge myself and try something different,” Chau said, adding she appreciated the teamwork and dynamic nature of police work.
Having admired the police force since childhood, she found the recruitment lecture at her college to be a valuable first step to learn more about the constable role.
Twenty-nine inspectors also graduated in the latest round.
Among them was Myron Lam Yan-Ting, 31, who has served as a constable for nearly 10 years.
After applying for the inspector programme five times since 2017, he finally passed this year and completed the nine-month training.
“The past 10 years have not been easy, but I am proud to contribute to society as a police officer. I will do even more as an inspector,” Lam said.

He said he had always aspired to follow a similar path to his parents, who both worked in the Correctional Services Department.
After struggling to meet its recruitment targets since 2020, the force announced last year that it would scrap the minimum height and weight requirements, and candidates could wear glasses or contact lenses for eye tests.
The force said earlier this month that the number of people applying to become police officers rose by 46 per cent to 11,698 in the past financial year after it relaxed entry requirements and ramped up outreach efforts to attract local residents living on the mainland.
The force has more than 6,000 vacancies, while a maximum of 240 inspectors and 1,350 constables can be trained each year.
As of June 30 this year, the force has 27,039 officers and 3,961 civilian staff.
The starting monthly salary for a constable is about HK$28,000 (US$3,580). Inspectors earn about HK$50,000.


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Hong Kong police

Hong Kong police graduates find ‘meaning’ in new career, hope to ‘serve whole city’

(Left to right) Constable Tang Wai-kit, Inspector Myron Lam and Constable Hollis Chau attend a graduation ceremony at the Police College. Photo: Jelly Tse

Myron Lam (right) has served as a constable for nearly 10 years. Photo: Handout

Hollis Chau was a medical student in mainland China before opting to change career path. Photo: Handout

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Secretary for Security Chris Tang hit out at The Wall Street Journal’s editorial, which included calls to sanction Hong Kong’s leaders. Photo: Dickson Lee

Former Stand News editor-in-chief Chung Pui-kuen at Wan Chai Court after he and fellow editor Patrick Lam were convicted for conspiracy to publish seditious articles. Photo: Dickson Lee

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The Flying Tigers are considered one of the force’s most elite and secretive units. Photo: Handout

Members of the unit demonstrate how to takedown a suspect at open day event in 2019. Photo: Dickson Lee

Officers from the Flying Tigers were among those who took part in a morning raid in 2003 to capture “King of Thieves” Kwai Ping-hung. Photo: Handout

Joining the Flying Tigers involves undergoing “hell week” before going through nine months of training. Photo: Handout

News

Hong Kong

Law and Crime

More residents joining police after requirements eased, with some in latest batch of constables seeking fresh start


More residents joining police after requirements eased, with some in latest batch of constables seeking fresh start.


Hong Kong society