A Hong Kong customs officer has been placed on leave following his arrest over attempting to stop a motorcycle rider who later crashed and died, a disciplined service chief has said, stressing personnel should be responsible for their actions on or off-duty.
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Chan Tsz-tat, commissioner of the Customs and Excise Department, also said on Saturday that all his officers had been given “very clear instructions” and “very comprehensive training” to carry out their duties.
“As part of the disciplined services, a customs officer ought to do his part for society, as long as it is legal and safe on- and off-duty,” he told a radio programme.
“Whether one is carrying out his duty in his official capacity or doing anything off-duty, he must be held responsible, and safety is the primary consideration.”
On January 3, the off-duty customs officer attempted to intercept a motorcyclist suspected of fleeing from police in Kowloon Bay.
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The rider, surnamed Wong, lost control and crashed into a metal pole. He was pronounced dead at the scene.
The incident has sparked widespread public debate over whether the officer’s actions were appropriate and legal, after dashcam footage of the crash went viral online.