CHILD PROTECTION POLICY UNIT OF THE
HONG KONG POLICE FORCE
Betty PANG Mo-yin

I. INTRODUCTION TO HONG KONG
A. Geographical Location
Hong Kong is located in Eastern Asia,the southeast coast of the Peopleʼ
s Republic of China,facing
the South China Sea. Geographically,it consists of three main territories namely,Hong Kong Island,
Kowloon and the New Territories.
B. Size and Population
The area of Hong Kong is 1,104 sq km. The population at the end of 2012 was 7,173,000.
C. The Hong Kong Special Administrative Region
The Chief Executive (CE)is the head of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR).
The main administrative and executive functions of the Hong Kong Government are carried out by
three secretary departments, 12 policy bureaux (consisting of 61 departments and agencies)and otherservices.
(a)Secretaries of Departments
Chief Secretary for Administration
Financial Secretary
Secretary for Justice(b) Directors of Bureaux
Secretary for Transport and Housing
Secretary for Home Affairs
Secretary for Labour and Welfare
Secretary for Financial Services and Treasury
Secretary for Commerce and Economic Development
Secretary for Constitutional and M ainland Affairs
Secretary for Security
Secretary for Education
Secretary for Civil Service
Secretary for Food and Health
Secretary for the Environment
Secretary for Development(c)Other Services
Commissioner of Police
Commissioner of Independent Commission Against Corruption
Commissioner of Customs and Excise
Director of Immigration
Director of Audit
The civil service employed approximately156,000 people,or about 4% ofthe Hong Kong workforce.
Apart from administering public services, its main tasks are to assist the Chief Executive and principals in formulating policies and carrying out decisions.
Senior Superintendent of Police, Hong Kong Police Force.

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D. Special Features
Hong Kongʼs free economic system and low tax rate have created a favourable environment for thecityʼ
s development in finance, banking, trade, industry and commerce, real estate, shipping and civil
aviation. Hong Kong is one of the most densely populated places in the world. The land population
density in mid-2012 stood at 6,620 persons per sq km.
E. Visitors
In the year 2012,Hong Kong registered a record of 48.62 million visitor arrivals. Mainland visitors
reached 34.91 million in 2012 and continued to be the largest source of visitors to Hong Kong.
F. Crimes
In 2012,a total of 75,930 crimes were reported. The overall crime rate was 1,064 per 100,000 persons.
Special Features

II. HONG KONG POLICE FORCE
A. Command and Structure
The Hong Kong Police Force (the Force)is headed by the Commissioner of Police who is responsible to the Chief Executive of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region for the administrationand operational efficiency of the Force. He is assisted by two Deputy Commissioners. The Deputy
Commissioner of Police (Operations) is responsible for operations, crime and security; whereas the
Deputy Commissioner of Police (M anagement) is responsible for personnel, training, management
services, finance, administration and planning. Structure of Hong Kong Police Force is provided in
Chart 1 on page 92.
At the end of 2012, the Force had 28,400 regular police officers, 4,700 civilian staff, and 4,500
auxiliary police officers. The police-population ratio in 2012 was 394 regular officers for every 100,000
persons.
B. Vision and Common Purpose
The Forceʼs Vision and Statement of Common Purpose are:
VisionThat Hong Kong remains one of the safest and most stable societies in the world

CommonPurposeThe Hong Kong Police Force will ensure a safe and stable society by:upholding the rule of law
maintaining law and order
preventing and detecting crime
safeguarding and protecting life and property
working in partnership with the community and other agencies
striving for excellence in all that we domaintaining public confidence in the Force

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Chart 1:Hong Kong Police Organizational Structure

C. Strategic Directions and Operational Priorities
Every year, the Commissioner of Police addresses challenges through a structured strategic planning process that identifies and prioritizes future requirements to enable the Force to build on its
success as a respected and trusted police service locally and abroad. Strategic Directions andOperational Priorities were then formulated.
The Strategic Directions 2012-2014 cover Engaging the Community, Enhancing Personal andProfessional Qualities of Force Members, Strengthening Criminal Intelligence Gathering Force-wide,
and Supporting Frontline Units.
The Commissionerʼs Operational Priorities 2013 are Violent Crime;Triad, Syndicated and Organized Crime;Dangerous Drugs;Quick Cash Crime;Technology Crime;Public Safety;and Terrorism.
Under the first operational priority Violent Crime,Domestic Violence is identified as one of the main
issues;and it is the direction of the Commissioner of Police that all reports of domestic violence should
be professionally handled and investigated.
The Child Protection Policy Unit (CPPU)within the Hong Kong Police Force is a designated unit
responsible for dealing with amongst others,policy matters of domestic violence. This paper describes
the roles and functions of the CPPU.

III. CHILD PROTECTION POLICY UNIT
A. Command and Structure
The Child Policy Protection Unit (CPPU)was established in 1997 under B Department (Crime and92

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Security) of the Hong Kong Police Force (the Force), and is a unit within the Crime Support Group
under Crime Wing. The overall command of the Crime Support Group is a Chief Superintendent.
He/she is assisted by two Senior Superintendents,one of which is in charge of the CPPU. The positionof CPPU within the Force organizational structure is as follows:

At the time when CPPU was set up in 1997, its primary duties were to deal with policies on childprotection. Over the years, its charter has been expanded to also handle policies, procedures andtraining in relation to domestic violence,child abuse,elder abuse,sexual violence,which are commonly
known as abusive offences;the Police Superintendent Discretion Scheme (PSDS) for juvenile crimes;
and child pornography. Actions are in hand to amend the nomenclature of the unit with a view tobetter reflect its current roles and functions.
CPPU consists of a Chief Inspector, three Inspectors, a Sergeant, three Constables, and a Police
Clinical Psychologist (PCP). The major functions of the PCP are providing advice on formulation ofpolicy and procedural guidelines on victim protection;and training in handling child and vulnerable
victims/witnesses. He/she also assists the Force in conducting psychological assessment of persons
involved in criminal cases,which is commonly known as criminal profiling,and gives expert evidence
in court. The structure of CPPU is as follows:

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B. Roles and Functions
CPPU combats abusive offences and juvenile crimes by adopting multi-agency and cross-sectoral
approach in pursuit of the twin goals of protecting victims and prosecuting offenders. The roles andfunctions of CPPU are as follows:(a)Formulation and implementation of Force policies
As a policy unit,CPPU is responsible for devising,formulating and implementating government and Force policies and procedures in respect of child abuse,domestic violence,sexual
violence, elder abuse and juvenile crime cases to ensure appropriate and coordinatedresponse to reports of these cases in collaboration with multi-agency professionals.
(b)Liaison with other government departments and non-governmental organizations (NGOs)
CPPU works closely with individual governmental departments and non-governmentalorganizations on multi-disciplinary procedures, inter-agency cooperation, training andcoordination on subject matters under its purview. Representatives of CPPU are currently
attending three working groups/committees that are set up by the government to examineand deal with problems of abusive offences and to map out preventive strategies. CPPU
keeps the Force abreast of the latest development in governmental policies and formulates
plans for effective implementation within the Force.
(c)Liaison with overseas law enforcement agencies, victim and witness care agencies and nongovernmental organizations (NGOs)
CPPU keeps regular contact with overseas law enforcement agencies, victim and witness
care agencies and non-governmental organizations (NGOs)on new initiatives and practices
in respect of investigation and presentation of evidence in criminal proceedings involving
children, mentally incapacitated persons and battered spouses.
(d)Assist in legislation issues
CPPU assists the Hong Kong Government in introducing and amending legislation on

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subject matters under its purview. The unit also identifies implications to the Force in termsof policy,procedures and resources consequent to the enactment of relevant legislation andmakes recommendations to Force management where appropriate.
(e)M onitor crime trends
CPPU monitors trends in crimes against children and mentally incapacitated persons,domestic violence,sexual violence,elder abuse and juvenile crime with a view to improving
relevant strategies, policies and procedures in dealing with these offences.
(f) Training
CPPU devises and develops inter-agency training and a tiered Force training programme onchild abuse investigation,domestic violence handling,sexual violence investigation,juvenile
crime prevention and after care services.
(g)Assist Department of Justice
CPPU assists the Department of Justice in liaising with police formations in matterspertaining to child abduction under the Hague Convention on International Child Abduction.
(h)Contact point with Social Welfare Department on the Witness Support Programme
CPPU coordinates and processes all requests under the Witness Support Programme andliaises with Social Welfare Department for subsequent arrangement.
(i) Research on related issues
CPPU works closely with local universities and other research institutes/associations on
research projects;and where appropriate, organizes seminars to update Force members on
new issues that can be of relevance in enhancing the Forceʼs overall capabilities in tackling
abusive offences.
C. Highlights of Engagement
1. Overseas Liaison and Exchange of Expertise
CPPU takes an active approach in the exchange of experience and expertise with other international focus groups and law enforcement agencies;and proactively engages international and local
communities through participation in workshops,seminars and exchange programmes. Through these
activities, CPPU shares its experience, expertise and knowledge with other counterparts, and introduces good practices of the Force. Most of the counterparts are representatives of other law enforcement agencies, academics, experts and non-governmental organizations.
During the past two years, CPPU officers have participated in the following major events:(a)The 9th International Symposium of Best Police Practices in Dubai
CPPU shared good practices on childrenʼ
s rights and child violence with participants from
Western, Asian, M iddle East and African countries.
(b)The 1st South East Asia Working Party M eeting of the Interpol Specialist Group on Crimes
against Children in Bangkok
CPPU and participants from Western and Asian countries shared experiences on tackling
crimes against children.
(c)The 12th Guangdong, Hong Kong and M acao Exchange Programme
CPPU and law enforcement agencies from Guangdong and M acao exchanged experienceand good practices in handling of domestic violence.
(d)The 31st M eeting of the Interpol Specialist Group on Crime against Children in Lyon, France
CPPU and participants from different countries shared and exchanged opinions on latest
crime trends, and strategy and technology adopted to combat crimes against children.
(e)Overseas Development Programme at Singapore Police Force

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CPPUʼ
s representative shared with Singapore Police on training on handling abusive
offences.
2. Inter-Departmental Liaison
In the context of victim protection, the Force will not be successful without the cooperation andsupport of other governmental departments and agencies. CPPU enters into partnerships with theSocial Welfare Department, Department of Health and Department of Justice to work out plans forformulating policies and cooperation protocols in relation to protection of victims of crime.
CPPU represents the Force to attend working groups and committees that provide a platform for
relevant stakeholders from the government, non-governmental agencies and experts to examine theproblems of abusive offences and work out corresponding measures. These working groups andcommittees are:(a)Committee on Child Abuse chaired by the Director of Social Welfare to examine problems ofchild abuse and map out strategies to address the problem identified(b)Working Group on Combating Violence chaired bythe Director ofSocial Welfare responsible formapping out strategies to address the problem of spouse battering and sexual violence(c)Working Group on Elder Abuse chaired by the Assistant Director of Social Welfare(Family andChild Welfare) responsible for examining the issue of elder abuse and proposing strategies toaddress the problem
3. Inter-Departmental Training
The Force fully realizes the importance of professional ability and knowledge that its members
should equip in fighting crime and providing protection and support to victims to safeguard their rights,
well-being and welfare. In order to enhance the overall professionalism of Force members, CPPU
invites the Social Welfare Department to jointly organize the Child Protection Special Investigation
Course (CPSIC), which is a tailor-made training programme for detectives, clinical psychologists andsocial workers engaged in dealing with abusive offences. Only after attending the training,officers are
qualified to take part in the investigation of cases involving serious sexual abuse or violence againstchildren or mentally incapacitated persons.
CPPU also proactively engages its stakeholders in training and experience sharing sessions with aview to enhancing cooperation and collaboration for mutual benefits. Recent exchanges include a
training session with the Social Welfare Department where CPPU shared experience in handling
victims and safeguarding their rights and welfare in domestic violence cases, and a training session
with the Correctional Service Department where CPPU shared experience in handling youth offenders
by way of caution (Police Superintendent Discretion Scheme ― PSDS)instead of prosecution.
4. Public Engagement
CPPU also commits to engaging the public through education with a view to raising the publicʼsawareness on protection and support to victims ofcrime. During the past years,CPPU has participatedin a series of programmes organized by different public groups, for instances:(a)Seminar organized by The Hong Kong University
During the seminar,CPPU officers introduced the Force policy and procedures on handlingsexual violence cases to university professors, social workers, non-governmental organizations and overseas scholars.
(b)Seminar organized by the Hong Kong Federation of Women Lawyers
Participants of the seminar include members of the public,lawyers,social workers,professionals and legislative councillors. During the seminar,CPPU officers introduced the Force
policy and procedures on handling sexual violence cases and highlighted its cooperation
with governmental departments and non-governmental organizations in the protection of
victims against further trauma. CPPU also shared with participants of the seminar its

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experience in implementing legislation relating to protecting victims of sexual violence.
(c)Seminar organized by the Philippine Consulate
During the seminar,CPPU officers offered advice to Philippine nationals working in Hong
Kong on protection against violence and provided information on assistance provided bygovernment departments and non-government organizations (NGOs).
(d)TV Programme
CPPU has designed a TV programme on elder abuse to raise public awareness and advocate
protection to elderly victims.
5. Internal Training
CPPU recognizes the importance of training to Force members in handling abusive offences, andhas been constantly updating training materials and injecting new initiatives to improve its training.
In addition to providing regular training on handling domestic violence, sexual violence, child abuse,elder abuse and juvenile crime in foundation training, criminal investigation courses, and varies
development and promotion courses, CPPU has recently developed the following training packages:(a)A training package on ʻ
Handling of Elder Abuseʼwith emphasis on protection and support of thewell-being and welfare of elderly victims;and(b)A training package ʻ
The Hidden Truthʼwith emphasis on the importance of applying patienceand empathy to different types of victims of abusive offences.
6. Legislation
CPPU has been representing the Force in assisting the Hong Kong Government in introducing newlegislation and amendments to existing ordinances in areas under its purview. The following are someexamples of CPPUʼ
s involvement:(a)Child Abduction Legislation (Miscellaneous Amendments)Bill 2013This law protects children from parental abduction. CPPU has offered comments on thepracticality of the amended Bill and has been attending Bills Committee Meeting with othergovernment officials on behalf of the Force.
(b)Sexual Offences Reform
The definition of some sexual offences will be redefined and new offences will be created forbetter coverage and protection. The Senior Superintendent of Crime Support Group in
charge of CPPU represents the Force in the Law Reform Sub-committee on Review of
Sexual Offences.
(c)Death of Child
To cover grey areas in proving criminal liability of child murders and child abuse. The
Senior Superintendent of Crime Support Group in charge of CPPU represents the Force inthe Law Reform Sub-committee on Death of Child.
D. Challenges
CPPU considers that the following issues would be major challenges to the Force in the fight against
abusive offences and the protection and support to victims of crime.
1. Building Trust with Victims of Crime
Victims of crime may hesitate or are reluctant to report crimes for various reasons. In order toenhance victimsʼtrust in the Forceʼs capabilities in tackling crimes and its abilities to protect andsupport them,it is considered that more training on officersʼ
professional sensitivityin handling victims
should be arranged.
2. Law Reform
Changes in laws and corresponding administrative and procedural adjustments would require extra

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resources to train up officers in the implementation of new procedures in order to maintain the Forceʼsprofessionalism and capabilities.
3. Economic and Financial Stability
Economic and financial stability are often factors affecting the harmony of a family. Generally
speaking,financial/economic downturn may lead to an increase in conflicts over family problems andthereby increasing the risk of using violence. It is therefore necessary that the Force continue tomaintain a close and constructive relationship with its stakeholders for information sharing in orderto enhance the effectiveness in investigation, prosecution, as well as victim protection and support.
4. Aging Population
The population of Hong Kong is aging. By 2016,the percentage of the population over 65 years ofage will be 16%. It is anticipated that by the year 2036,that percentage will rise to 29%. The increasein the elderly population and decrease in workforce may lead to an increase in crimes relating toelderly people for instance, more illegal gambling activities involving the elderly, or elderly people
becoming victims of crimes such as embezzlement, deception and theft. Providing more training toForce members and continuous collaboration with relevant stakeholders are both essential in maintaining the Forceʼs overall professionalism in dealing with these crimes and providing support to elderly
victims.

IV. CONCLUSIONCPPU is committed to maximize the effectiveness of actions in combating abusive crimes and willcontinue to strengthen multi-agency and cross-sectoral collaboration with other governmental departments, non-governmental organizations and professionals for continuous improvement.

Important Notice
All rights, including copyright, in this document are owned and reserved by the Hong Kong
Police Force. Unless prior permission in writing is given by the Commissioner of Police, you
may not use the materials other than for your personal learning and in the course of your official
duty.

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