Peak Police Station.
Wanchai Gap Police Station.
Wong Nei Chong Gap Police Station.
casualties is not clear. It comprised only 134 men, and con- tained 48 Europeans less than in 1844, while the whole per- sonnel of the force was unsuitable. The Europeans had no previous police experience, and left discipline behind when they left their regiments; the Indians from Bombay and Madras were not of the proper stamp: and the Chinese, taken from among the lowest classes, were underpaid. Some advance was made in 1850 and in the next three years, for during With the that period less serious crime was committed. completion of the Central and West Point Police Stations in 1857 still more progress was made, and in the following year the Governor, Sir J. Bowring, expressed the opinion that the appearance, discipline, and general efficiency of the force had greatly improved. In 1850 à station was built at Stanley, and
in the following year another was opened at Shaukiwan. Two others were built in 1862.
Hitherto the Indian constables had been obtained from the native regiments, but in 1861 or 1862 the Superintendent, Captain W. Quin, who had served in the Army and in the Bombay police, resolved to try Bombay and Madras as recruit- ing grounds. By 1865 the strength of the Hongkong force had been raised to 610, including 76 Europeans, 369 Indians, and 165 Chinese. The Administrator, the Hon. Mr. W. T. Mercer, reported that the Indian contingent had proved a failure, but this was denied by the Superintendent, who pleaded that they had not been given a fair trial, and at the same time con- demned the proposal to employ Chinese police. In 1807, Sir H. MacDonnell assured the Secretary of State that he had not seen in any colony a body of men so ineffective. In 1869 district watchmen were employed, and although, as a con- sequence, an unfortunate friction resulted between the Captain- Superintendent and the Registrar-General the men were found to be very useful, and to this day district watchmen are employed as auxiliaries. In the meantime the Indians in the police force were replaced by men from the Punjab, and a police school was established. Public dissatisfaction with the police eventually resulted in the appointment of a Commission of Inquiry, which sat in 1872, and recommended the payment of higher wages, the formation of a detective staff, and the provision of facilities for Europeans and Indians to learn Chinese.
was
In 1873 the office of Assistant Superintendent abolished, and replaced by that of Chief Inspector, and a station was built at Yaumati. The growing efficiency of the Chinese constables was noticed at this time, and they were given credit by the Captain-Superintendent for arrests that could not have been achieved by Europeans or Indians. Their latent possibilities were again shown in 1886, when £1,000 in gold coins was recovered by the smartness and perseverance of a Chinese detective.
The erection of a water police station was begun in 1879, and steam launches were obtained for harbour work. The station, opened in 1884, occupied an advantageous site at Tsim-tsa-tsui, which in the old days had been the scene of battles between the Puntis and Hakkas, and from which promontory the Chinese batteries had, in 1839, opened fire on merchant ships in Hongkong harbour. New stations were built, also, at Aberdeen, Tsat Tze Mui, and Kennedy Town in 1891. Major-General Gordon succeeded Mr. Deane as Captain- Superintendent, and was followed in 1893 by Mr. F. H. May, who later became Colonial Secretary. The year 1895 saw added to the Captain-Superintendent's responsibilities the control of the Fire Brigade and the Gaol, which, for reasons of economy, were made sub-departments of the police depart- ment. Towards the end of the year the regulation requiring the Chinese to carry a light at night was again put into force, and resulted in a great diminuation in nocturnal crime. The total population of the Colony had by this time increased to 248,498, while the police force numbered 627. A gaming scandal in 1897 led to a searching investigation by the Captain- Superintendent; one European inspector was convicted and sentenced to six months' hard labour, while others and some European sergeants, together with 19 Indian and 26 Chinese police, were dismissed for taking bribes. In the following year, too, 27 Indian police were sent to gaol for a week for insubordination; but the cloud was not without its silver lining, for two European and seven Chinese members of the force were rewarded by the Governor for courage, promptness, and intelligence; two Indians for rescues from drowning; two Indians for arresting burglars; and three Chinese watchmen for activity and intelligence.
The total strength of the police force on December 31, 1907, was 1,041 men, namely, 128 Europeans, 410 Indians, and 503 Chinese. The total expenditure on the force for the twelve months was $520,170.
New Quarters at the Shaukiwon Station. Left to right) Sergeants' Dormitory, Canteen and Dining Room, and Constables Dormitory.
7
Office and Living Quarters of the C.I.D. in one room.
Illustrating the overcrowding of existing accommodation.
An Office at Central Police Station.
Constables' Barracks
at Stanley.