According to a report by Xinhua News Agency, in accordance with the relevant provisions of the Basic Law of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region of the People's Republic of China, and based on the nomination and recommendation of the HKSAR Chief Executive John Lee, the State Council on April 2, 2025, officially appointed Chow Yat-ming as Commissioner of Police, and removed Raymond Siu from the post.
Chow joined the Hong Kong Police Force in 1995 as an Inspector. During the 2019 social unrest, he served as Deputy Regional Commander of Kowloon West. He was the commanding officer during the conflicts at the Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU), where he frequently appeared to explain police actions. Over the next three years, he was promoted three times: to Assistant Commissioner in February 2020, to Senior Assistant Commissioner in January 2021, and to Deputy Commissioner (Management) in 2022. He later moved to Deputy Commissioner (Operations), a position he has held since.
30 years in the Force: From university graduate to Commissioner of Police
Now 52 years old, Chow has served in the police force for three decades. His journey with the police began with some twists. In his second year of university, he applied to join the Auxiliary Police but eventually withdrew to focus on sports. By his final year, after much contemplation, he decided to apply as a Probationary Inspector.
At that time, there was no Police Mentorship Programme (PMP), so Chow had to seek advice from senior officers on his own about the nature of police work and daily life. He once said he spent the most time preparing physically—nearly a year of training to ensure he was in peak condition.
"I'm the kind of person who, once I set my mind to something, goes all in."
Eventually, he was admitted to the Hong Kong Police College after graduation.
Frontline veteran with deep criminal investigation experience
Throughout his nearly 30-year career, Chow has had many unforgettable experiences. He said he chose policing to uphold justice and protect the public. Most of his service has been in criminal investigation and intelligence at district, regional, and headquarters levels. He has accumulated extensive experience in criminal investigation, intelligence gathering, and policy-making for different criminal units.
He believes directly arresting criminals on the frontline is uniquely meaningful—tough but fulfilling.
"Even though the work is overwhelming and around the clock, I've been lucky to work with a brilliant team, united in mission and trust, completing many difficult and complex tasks."
In 2012, Chow was seconded to Interpol's General Secretariat in Lyon, France, as a Criminal Intelligence Officer.
From 2012 to 2013, he worked alongside officers from around the world in a culturally and operationally diverse environment. Representing the Hong Kong Police Force at international conferences, he described the experience as eye-opening and enriching—something he considers a rare opportunity that wouldn't have been possible without joining the force.
Leadership during crisis: PolyU unrest
In 2013, Chow was promoted to Senior Superintendent and Deputy Head of the Criminal Intelligence Bureau. In 2016, he rose to Chief Superintendent and led the Bureau, then served as District Commander of Yau Tsim District.
Shortly after becoming Deputy Regional Commander of Kowloon West in early 2019, widespread Social unrest erupted. Chow stood firm with his fellow officers. In November, during the intense standoff at the Polytechnic University, Chow was appointed operational commander. Facing protesters who blocked the Cross-Harbour Tunnel and hurled petrol bombs and bricks, he led the police operation with professionalism, intelligence, and courage. The conflict was resolved in 14 days, earning recognition for restoring order.
In February 2020, Chow was promoted to Assistant Commissioner (Operations), and by November, he was transferred to the Personnel Wing. In January 2021, he became Senior Assistant Commissioner overseeing Personnel and Training, and later that year, Director of Crime and Security.
In April 2022, he was appointed Deputy Commissioner (Management), and in August 2023, he became Deputy Commissioner (Operations), overseeing all operational matters. As the Police Force's "second leader," Chow remained hands-on. On October 31, 2023, after a group of triad members in Yuen Long surrounded and verbally abused police officers over parking enforcement, Chow led a large-scale anti-triad operation, deploying over 100 officers to patrol high-risk areas late into the night, effectively curbing gang activity.
Focus on talent and values: "Loyalty and courage"
In an interview with the police publication OffBeat last year, Chow said that after assuming the Deputy Commissioner post, he prioritized understanding the younger generation—especially young officers—their mindsets and lifestyles to foster a sense of belonging.
"Intergenerational dialogue doesn't have to be: I think you're useless, and you think I'm outdated. It can be: I admire your energy, and you appreciate my experience."
He emphasized that frontline officers are the backbone of the force and must be given support and encouragement to build their confidence and identity.
"This challenge isn't just for the police. It's for all of society: bridging generations is hard—but inevitable."
Regarding recruitment, Chow stressed that the police must prioritize quality over quantity. He believes applicants should embody the core values of the force: "Serving Hong Kong with Honour, Duty and Loyalty".
Related News:
Comment