Commissioner Siu Chak-yee announced details of the Strategic Directions 2022-2024 at a briefing session on July 22 for officers at Senior Superintendent rank and above. “Our operating environment has changed significantly since the last strategic planning cycle. The new Strategic Directions (SD) aim to set the direction for the Force, so that we are able to meet current and emerging challenges. To achieve this objective, both the Strategic Directions and the strategic planning process will see major changes,” he pointed out.

The existing three Strategic Directions have been retained and a new Strategic Direction, Safeguarding National Security, has been added. The Commissioner elaborated, “Following the turmoil in 2019, safeguarding national security has become a major issue for the Central Government, the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government and the Force. For us, safeguarding national security is a strategic issue that touches on many important areas, such as manpower, training, accommodation, community relations and terrorism. Safeguarding national security affects everything we do, so it justifies a Strategic Direction of its own.”

The Strategic Directions 2022-2024 are:

SD1 – Safeguarding National Security

SD2 – Embracing the Use of Technology for Policing in the Digital Age

SD3 – Policing WITH the Community

SD4 – Preparing the Workforce to Meet Emerging Challenges

Director of National Security Kan Kai-yan said that in addition to upholding law and order, the Force is now vested with the vital task of upholding national security. He further explained that every one of us should possess professional knowledge and, more importantly, an awareness of national security, when performing our duties or formulating policy.

With regards to Strategic Direction 2, Director of Management Services Lam Hiu-tong highlighted the significance and ongoing commitment of the Force towards embracing the use of technology for policing in the digital age. Whether it is public engagement, re-engineering work processes, investigation or nurturing our workforce, the Force will keep promoting digital transformation to meet public expectations. Since the last strategic planning cycle, the Force has achieved significant success in rolling out over 30 new digital applications. It will continue expanding its digital capabilities in the coming cycle.

Director of Operations Chan Joon-sun then spoke on Strategic Direction 3, which focuses on policing with the community to keep Hong Kong safe. He reiterated that the Force needs to engage with all sectors of society, including those with antipathy towards the Force, and that every interaction with the public should be seen as an opportunity to improve its relationship with the community.

Lastly, Director of Personnel and Training Choi Chin-pang talked about Strategic Direction 4. He pointed out that the shortage of manpower needs to be addressed through a revisit of human resource management strategies, possibly including a study of organisational re-structuring, contracting-out, civilianisation, automation of duties demanding much human resources and re-prioritisation of more Police roles and duties. Other priorities under Strategic Direction 4 include initiatives to enhance integrity and professionalism, internal communication and staff relations. He added that liaison and exchanges within the international law enforcement community, particularly in the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area, would be enhanced upon revocation of COVID-19 travel restrictions.

Assistant Commissioner (Service Quality) Tsang Yim-sheung then outlined the major changes to the strategic planning process. She explained, “As the operating environment may shift again, we need to adopt a more robust and pragmatic approach to achieve the changes necessary for meeting the strategic challenges. The Programme Directors will soon meet to decide on the key initiatives for supporting the Strategic Directions and allocate the responsibilities accordingly. Whilst the key initiatives that require coordination at Force level are to be steered by the Programme Directors, major and other formations can introduce local initiatives in support of the Strategic Directions to suit their local needs. All initiatives should be achievable and worthwhile.”

The Commissioner concluded, “This strategic planning cycle is almost certainly the most important one so far. It is essential that we position ourselves to meet the anticipated challenges in the likely future landscape for the Force. I look forward to seeing significant progress in tackling the strategic issues facing the Force.”