Hong Kong police must be more transparent, but not if it harms probes: top cop

The public has increasingly higher expectations of transparency for Hong Kong police, the force’s chief has said, outlining his plan to keep residents informed without compromising investigations.

Commissioner of Police Joe Chow Yat-ming told the Post in an exclusive interview that one of the challenges facing the force was the higher expectations brought about by the rise of social media, which fuelled the demand for people to know more about police work.

“We have to be more transparent to let the public know, to understand our work. So at least after they understand our work, they will assist us,” Chow said.

The top cop spoke on Friday after making community policing one of his four strategic directions upon taking office in April, alongside another goal to strengthen integrity, professionalism and values within the force.

Community policing involves officers working closely with other stakeholders in the city.

Chow said the force needed to further inform residents about its work to assure them that Hong Kong was still one of the safest and most stable cities in the world.