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New Millennium, New Direction?

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Women in the Hong Kong Police Force

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Abstract

Post-2000, in the official view of the HKP, represents the completion of the integration of policewomen into the Force. This period saw an even greater number of policewomen who have risen to senior positions. The Force was aware of work-life balance as a problem they faced but there were no real solutions apart from advising policewomen of the importance of not neglecting their families. In the early 2000s official discourse continued to celebrate policewomen’s feminine qualities and specialisation in dealing with women and children. The rise of domestic violence as a social problem renewed the attention on policewomen’s role as specialists to combat it. Of greatest relevance to this period is women police’s official role in Internal Security. The number of women in the Police Tactical Unit (PTU) remains small and the two-tiered system, with the elite PTU supported by the unarmed and lesser-trained all-women Tango unit, reinforces the marginal role of women in public order and anti-riot operations. This chapter also looks at how sexual impropriety remains a problem in the HKP, particularly when police strategies in dealing with commercial sex still rely heavily on the use of decoy police offices as agent provocateurs.

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Notes

  1. 1.

    This is a compulsory saving scheme with equal contribution from employers and employees.

  2. 2.

    Sex Discrimination Bill: Resumption on Second reading which was moved on 26 October 1994, Hansard, Hong Kong Legislative Council, Official record of proceedings, 28 June 1995, p. 4866, http://www.legco.gov.hk/yr94-95/english/lc_sitg/hansard/h950628.pdf (retrieved 20 April 2017).

  3. 3.

    Hong Kong Legislative Council, Equal opportunities legislative review proposals for amendment of the SDO and DDO, Annex A, Appendix I, of LC Paper No. CB(2)1324/12-13(04) Panel on Constitutional Affairs - Background brief prepared by the Legislative Council Secretariat for the meeting on 17 June 2013, Equal Opportunities Commission’s legislative amendment proposal related to the scope of protection against sexual harassment und er the Sex Discrimination Ordinance (Cap. 480), n.d., retrieved from http://www.legco.gov.hk/yr12-13/english/panels/ca/papers/ca0617cb2-1324-4-e.pdf

  4. 4.

    Hong Kong Legislative Council), Response to Equal Opportunities Commission’s proposals for amendment of the Sex Discr imination Ordinance and the Disability Discrimination Ordinance, LC Paper No. CB(2)658/07-08(02), n.d., retrieved from http://www.legco.gov.hk/yr06-07/english/bc/bc52/papers/bc52cb2-658-2-e.pdf

  5. 5.

    Ravina Shamdasani, South China Morning Post, Police policy on recruits attacked, 14 February 2001.

  6. 6.

    Sing Tao Daily, 晉升助理處長為師妹樹好榜樣 警隊一姐誓殲新界南罪惡 [Promoted to Assistant Commissioner of Police, setting a good example for junior policewomen, Police Force First Lady swears to wipe out crime in New Territories South], 23 June 2003, p. A09.

  7. 7.

    The Sun, 女警官警署擔大旗 [Female officers take the reins in several police stations], 17 November 2004, p. A12.

  8. 8.

    The Sun, 警隊積極栽培巾幗不讓鬚眉 O記緝毒科委任二姐 [The Police Force actively nurturing women officers Organised Crime and Narcotics Bureau appointed women as deputies], 4 May 2006, p. A20.

  9. 9.

    (Off Beat 18 January–6 February, 2001, “Police Interpersonal Relationship Series: To be Parents—Part One”—this isn’t used) Police Public Information Bureau, Off Beat no. 696, Police interpersonal relationship series: The disciplined family, 7 February–20 February 2001, retrieved from http://www.police.gov.hk/Off Beat/696/1201_e.htm

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  11. 11.

    Police Public Information Bureau, Off Beat #824, Balances in law enforcement series V—Women in policing, 7 June–20 June 2006, retrieved from http://www.police.gov.hk/Off Beat/824/eng/

  12. 12.

    Police Public Information Bureau, Off Beat #824, Balances in law enforcement series V—Women in policing, 7 June–20 June 2006, retrieved from http://www.police.gov.hk/Off Beat/824/eng/

  13. 13.

    Sing Tao Daily, 掃毒女英雌是單親媽媽 [Anti-narcotics heroine is a single mother], 30 December 2001, p. A06.

  14. 14.

    Sing Tao Daily, 掃毒女英雌是單親媽媽 [Anti-narcotics heroine is a single mother], 30 December 2001, p. A06.

  15. 15.

    Police Public Information Bureau, Off Beat no. 1005, Tripartite women police officers’ meeting discusses ‘equilibrium and wisdom, 11 December–24 December 2013, retrieved from http://www.police.gov.hk/Off Beat/1005/eng/960.html

  16. 16.

    Police Public Information Bureau, Off Beat #746, Team effort saves suicidal girl, 5 March–18 March 2003, retrieved from http://www.police.gov.hk/Off Beat/746/eng/

  17. 17.

    Police Public Information Bureau, Off Beat # 922, 失蹤男童尋回 家人致送錦旗感謝觀塘分區 [Lost boy found: family gave thankyou flag to the Kwun Tong Sub-division], 30 June–13 July 2010, retrieved from http://www.police.gov.hk/Off Beat/922/chi/index.htm

  18. 18.

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  19. 19.

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  20. 20.

    Police Public Information Bureau, Off Beat no. 716, Unfailing efforts locate cash box owner, 21 November to 4 December 2001, retrieved from http://www.police.gov.hk/Off Beat/716/eng/

  21. 21.

    Hong Kong Economic Times, 嶺大「新紮師姐」圓童年夢 [LingU ‘new female constable’ fulfilled her childhood dreams], 22 January 2007, p. A28.

  22. 22.

    Police Public Information Bureau, Off Beat no. 836, Guangdong, Hong Kong & Macao woman police officers meet, 22 November–5 December 2006, retrieved from http://www.police.gov.hk/Off Beat/836/eng/

  23. 23.

    Police Public Information Bureau, Off Beat 860, Woman police officers mull over youth drug abuse, 21 November–4 December 2007, retrieved from http://www.police.gov.hk/Off Beat/860/eng/

  24. 24.

    Police Public Information Bureau, Off Beat #936, Tripartite woman police officers study POE policing, 26 January–15 Feb 2011, retrieved from http://www.police.gov.hk/Off Beat/936/eng/; Police Public Information Bureau, Off Beat #958, Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao woman police officers meet, 14 December–10 January 2012, retrieved from http://www.police.gov.hk/Off Beat/958/eng/

  25. 25.

    Police Public Information Bureau, Off Beat #982, Woman officers discuss protection of ‘vulnerable women’, 19 December 2012–15 January 2013, retrieved from http://www.police.gov.hk/Off Beat/982/eng/

  26. 26.

    Police Public Information Bureau, Off Beat #826, Balances in law enforcement series V—Women in policing: Women police officers march on in status, 5 July–18 July 2006, retrieved from http://www.police.gov.hk/Off Beat/826/eng/

  27. 27.

    Police Public Information Bureau, Off Beat #826, Balances in law enforcement series V—Women in policing: Women police officers march on in status, 5 July–18 July 2006, retrieved from http://www.police.gov.hk/Off Beat/826/eng/

  28. 28.

    Police Public Information Bureau, Off Beat #828, Balances in law enforcement series V—Women in policing: Male and female officers stand equal chance, 2 August–15 August 2006, retrieved from http://www.police.gov.hk/Off Beat/828/eng/

  29. 29.

    Police Public Information Bureau, Off Beat #828, Balances in law enforcement series V—Women in policing: Male and female officers stand equal chance, 2 August–15 August 2006, retrieved from http://www.police.gov.hk/Off Beat/828/eng/

  30. 30.

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  31. 31.

    Tin Tin Daily News March 4th 1999—I can’t find this.

  32. 32.

    Police Public Information Bureau, Off Beat # 650, Force’s first two women Saxon instructors, 3–16 March 1999, p. 7.

  33. 33.

    Oriental Daily News, 首位機場女特警 不讓鬚眉 [First air port security unit officer: No less capable than men], 3 January 2005, p. A30.

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    Police Public Information Bureau, Off Beat #936, Female officers make breakthrough at ceremonial events, 25 January–15 February 2011, retrieved from http://www.police.gov.hk/Off Beat/936/eng/

  35. 35.

    Police Public Information Bureau, Off Beat #954, First female Flag Party Commander on her new job, 19 October–1 November 2011, retrieved from http://www.police.gov.hk/Off Beat/954/eng/

  36. 36.

    Zonta Club is an international organization that advocates for women’s rights and empowerment.

  37. 37.

    Sing Pao, 曾蔭培:女警力足應付挑戰 [Tsang Yam-pui: female officers can take up challenges], 23 June 2001, p. A07.

  38. 38.

    Apple Daily, 女幹探像白領麗人 [Female detective is like a white collar beauty ] 29 July 2001, p. A16.

  39. 39.

    Police Public Information Bureau, Off Beat #762, Probationary Inspector sets running record, 22 October–4 November 2003, retrieved from http://www.police.gov.hk/Off Beat/762/eng/

  40. 40.

    Police Public Information Bureau, Off Beat #798, WPC overshadows local women runners in marathon, 11 May–24 May 2005, retrieved from http://www.police.gov.hk/Off Beat/798/eng/

  41. 41.

    Police Public Information Bureau, Off Beat #1044, We’re stronger as a team, July 29–August 11 2015, retrieved from http://www.police.gov.hk/Off Beat/1044/eng/2958.html

  42. 42.

    Police Public Information Bureau, Off Beat #1038, Running has transformed my life, 6 May–19 May 2015, retrieved from http://www.police.gov.hk/Off Beat/1038/eng/2670.html

  43. 43.

    Police Public Information Bureau, Off Beat #825, Police referees gain international status, 21 June–4 July 2006, retrieved from http://www.police.gov.hk/Off Beat/825/eng/

  44. 44.

    Police Public Information Bureau, Off Beat #714, It’s action—stations for Tango Company, 24 October–6 November 2001, retrieved from http://www.police.gov.hk/Off Beat/714/eng/

  45. 45.

    Tom Burgis and Jonathan Watts, The Guardian, Global trade riots rock Hong Kong, 18 December 2005 retrieved from https://www.theguardian.com/world/2005/dec/18/china.wto

  46. 46.

    Police Public Information Bureau, Off Beat #820, Kee** finger on the pulse of HKMC protesters, 29 March–11 April 2006, retrieved from http://www.police.gov.hk/Off Beat/820/eng/

  47. 47.

    Police Public Information Bureau, Off Bea t#875, Balances in law enforcement series VIII–Large-scale operation: Former Tango company commander garners valuable operational experiences, 23 July–5 August 2008, retrieved from http://www.police.gov.hk/Off Beat/875/eng/

  48. 48.

    Police Public Information Bureau, Off Beat #875, Balances in law enforcement series VIII–Large-scale operation: Former Tango company commander garners valuable operational experiences, 23 July–5 August 2008, retrieved from http://www.police.gov.hk/Off Beat/875/eng/

  49. 49.

    Legislative Council Panel on Security, Hong Kong Legislative Council, Security arrangements for the sixth Ministerial Conference of the World Trade Organisation held in Hong Kong from 13 to 18 December 2005, LC Paper No. CB(2) 2362/05-06(01), 4 July 2006, p. 33.

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    Legislative Council Panel on Security, Hong Kong Legislative Council, Security arrangements for the sixth Ministerial Conference of the World Trade Organisation held in Hong Kong from 13 to 18 December 2005, LC Paper No. CB(2) 2362/05-06(01), 4 July 2006, p. 34.

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  52. 52.

    Police Public Information Bureau, Off Beat #871, Emotional rendezvous for retired woman sergeant, 28 May–10 June 2008, retrieved from http://www.police.gov.hk/Off Beat/871/eng/

  53. 53.

    Hong Kong Police Annual report, 2000 http://www.police.gov.hk/info/review/2000/text_version/ch2_2_txt.htm

  54. 54.

    Police Public Information Bureau, Off Beat #741, Seminar on policing of families and juveniles, 4 December–17 December 2002, retrieved from http://www.police.gov.hk/Off Beat/741/eng/

  55. 55.

    Police Annual Report, 2004–http://www.police.gov.hk/info/review/2004/english/moperation.htm; http://www.police.gov.hk/info/review/2005/english/operation/page6.htm

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    (no author), 2005 Hong Kong police review, n.d., retrieved from http://www.police.gov.hk/info/review/2005/index.htm; (no author), 2006 Hong Kong police review, n.d., retrieved from http://www.police.gov.hk/info/review/2006/index.htm

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  63. 63.

    The Sun, 剝褲搜身羞辱掌摑腳踢棍毆 女示威者斥警不人道 [Stripped off pants, humiliation, slap**, kicking and beaten by batons; female protestors claimed the police were inhumane], 20 December 2005, p. A02.

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    Oriental Daily News, 女疑犯投訴六遭脫衣搜身 [Female suspect complained of being strip searched six times], 19 July 2008, p. A02.

  66. 66.

    The Sun, 內地女子狂嘴師姐_被捕續鬧事再傷兩女警2007-06-15 [Mainland woman kissed policewoman, arrested and continued to make a fuss, assaulted two policewomen], 15 June 2007, p. A04.

  67. 67.

    Hong Kong Economic Times, 曾偉雄:危急混亂 接觸異性難免 [Tsang Wai Hung: urgent and confusion; heterosexual bodily contact unavoidable], 24 May 2013, p. A26.

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    The Sun, 警司性騷擾揭豆腐渣避彈衣 [Superintendent sexual harassment revealed sub-standard bullet proof vests] 17 September 2000.

  69. 69.

    Oriental Daily News, 胸襲女警高級督察罰三千 [Attacked breasts of female officer, senior inspector fined HK$3000], 23 October 2001, p. A18.

  70. 70.

    Ming Pao Daily News, 警長非禮「師妹」囚3 月 促扮情侶監視走私官斥敗壞警隊名聲 [Sergeant pretended to be a couple with a female subordinate to monitor smuggling activity found guilty of indecent assault and imprisoned for three months—Judge said his actions ruins the Police Force’s reputation], 24 July 2008, p. A07.

  71. 71.

    The Sun, 女同袍前講「有味」言語警長遭投訴性騷擾 [Sexual innuendo used in front of female colleague, sergeant was complained of sexual harassment], 10 October 2009, p. A10.

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    Apple Daily, 女警投訴男上司性騷擾 [Policewomen complained male superior of sexual harassment], 13 December 2010, p. A10.

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    Oriental Daily News, 性騷擾醜聞 警隊「稱冠」[Sexual harassment scandals, topped by the Police Force] 24 September 2011, p. A02.

  74. 74.

    Oriental Daily News, 警隊爆鹹豬手 警司疑聖誕派對性騷擾女同袍 [Superintendent suspected of sexually harassing female colleague at Christmas Party], 18 Dec 2016, retrieved from http://hk.on.cc/hk/bkn/cnt/news/20161218/bkn-20161218093301767-1218_00822_001.html

  75. 75.

    Apple Daily, 警署內強姦非禮四少女 官斥可恥 色膽包天 淫警囚12年 [Raped and indecently assaulted four young women in the police station, judge said this is shameful, decrepit cop to serve 12 years], 19 September 2009, retrieved from http://hk.apple.nextmedia.com/news/art/20090919/13225479

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    Hong Kong Economic Times, 警花扮「企街」 兩周拘41嫖客[Police flowers pretend to be street walker, caught 41 johns in two weeks] 24 November 2004, p. A33.

  77. 77.

    Hong Kong Economic Times, 警花扮「企街」 兩周拘41嫖客[Police flowers pretend to be street walker, caught 41 johns in two weeks] 24 November 2004, p. A33.

  78. 78.

    Hong Kong Daily News, 不甘婦女受辱 師姐主動請纓 [Cannot bear women being humiliated, policewoman volunteers to join decoy mission to tackle prostitution], 11 June 2010, p. A04.

  79. 79.

    The Sun, 同袍監視支援衣著密實樸素 警花毋須犧牲色相[Colleagues monitor and support, dresses modestly, police flowers no need to sacrifice their bodies], 16 September 2006, p. A09.

  80. 80.

    Headline Daily, 年輕又貌美 師姐俾人「撩」[Young and beautiful, policewoman attracted attention], 26 November 2009, p. P02.

  81. 81.

    Sing Tao Daily, 護師姐放蛇防嫖客侵犯 [Protect madam from assault by johns in decoy operations], 26 June 2007, p. A10.

  82. 82.

    Hong Kong Daily News, 警花放蛇嫖客銳減 [Police flowers decoy operation number of johns decrease], 3 September 2006, p. A04.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Lingnan University, Hong Kong, China

    Annie Hau-Nung Chan

  2. Hong Kong Education University, Hong Kong, China

    Lawrence Ka-Ki Ho

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Chan, A.HN., Ho, L.KK. (2017). New Millennium, New Direction?. In: Women in the Hong Kong Police Force. Palgrave Advances in Criminology and Criminal Justice in Asia. Palgrave Macmillan, London. https://doi.org/10.1057/978-1-349-95281-6_5

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