Regular and auxiliary police officers have worked side by side to uphold the rule of law during Operation TIDERIDER, fully demonstrating their comradeship and commitment to serving the community. From June to November 2019, the total number of auxiliary police applicants was 1 039, representing an increase of over 70 per cent compared with the same period in 2018. Many citizens are determined to join the Hong Kong Auxiliary Police Force (HKAPF) during this difficult period, reflecting their support for the Hong Kong Police Force (HKPF) and their aspiration to serve the public. This also echoes the fact that many citizens do respect the rule of law and give their trust to the HKPF.

Senior Superintendent Tse Tsui-yan of Auxiliary Support Bureau said, "About 70 per cent of the applicants aged 30 or above and 77 per cent of them possess academic qualification at post-secondary level or above. Despite the current situation in Hong Kong, many applicants have expressed their wish to contribute their spare time to serve the community. I think they have made a brave and mature decision."

In view of the increasing number of applicants and keen manpower demand, the recruitment procedures for auxiliary officers have been streamlined while the assessment criteria remain unchanged. Previously, applicants were required to undergo a selection test comprising pre-screening, a physical fitness test and a selection interview which lasted for a few days. Under current arrangement, the three items of the selection test are conducted on the same day.

In the past, it took about nine months for new recruits to complete a 350-hour basic training course. Auxiliary Support Bureau has reviewed the course arrangement, such as extending the training hours on weekends, to enable new recruits to complete the required training hours in six months. Instead of running three rounds of the course annually, Auxiliary Support Bureau will conduct four to five rounds of the course in 2020.

Ms Tse said, "Auxiliary officers sacrifice their time with family members and use their spare time outside their principal employment to provide staunch support for regular officers. During Operation TIDERIDER, they not only have to work long hours, but also face the threats of doxxing and physical attack. Regular officers are very grateful for their selfless dedication."

With a strong sense of mission, the following three officers have been serving in the HKAPF for over two decades. They shared with OffBeat their experience during Operation TIDERIDER.

Acting Superintendent (Auxiliary) Cheng Wai-kwong

Mr Cheng has joined the HKAPF for 22 years and is currently stationed in Western District (WDIST). Since the start of Operation TIDERIDER, he and other auxiliary officers have been performing duties such as station defence and high profile patrols on a weekly basis. He said, "Our workload is much heavier these days. In addition to our principal employment, we perform police duties in our spare time. We sometimes work seven days a week. When violent clashes occur, I would like to return to the police station immediately to support my regular counterparts."

On August 31, 2019, police raided a premises in WDIST and arrested a number of persons for possession of offensive weapons. Mr Cheng led some auxiliary officers to cordon off the scene to facilitate evidence collection by regular officers. After the incident, Mr Cheng was doxed and his personal details and that of his family members were disclosed on the Internet. Mr Cheng's son was insulted at school and his personal information was sprayed on a wall in the vicinity of his school. Despite the intimidation, Mr Cheng has remained steadfast in his duties. "I have told my son that it is my responsibility to maintain law and order. We have done nothing wrong. We must stay strong," he said.

Station Sergeant (Auxiliary) Wong Yim-yuen

Mr Wong has joined the HKAPF for 25 years and is now stationed in Mong Kok District. On the night of August 30, 2019, a group of radical protesters besieged Mong Kong Police Station. Mr Wong and some auxiliary officers worked with their regular counterparts to perform station defence duties. Unfortunately, Mr Wong and more than ten auxiliary officers were attacked by protesters with paint bombs. A protester even threw faeces at one of the auxiliary officers. "Our auxiliary colleagues stayed united in protecting the police station and did not mind working overtime. We only left the police station until the protesters dispersed at around 4am."

Mr Wong and his auxiliary colleagues helped put out the fires when protesters repeatedly attacked Mong Kok Police Station with petrol bombs. They also worked with regular officers to clear barricades set up by protesters. "I enjoy working as an auxiliary officer. I feel honoured to be able to put on police uniform and serve the public," he said.

Sergeant (Auxiliary) Lam Chi-keung

Mr Lam has joined the HKAPF for 27 years and is currently stationed in Tin Shui Wai Division. With a full-time job in Macao, Mr Lam travels between Macao and Hong Kong regularly to serve as an auxiliary officer. During Operation TIDERIDER, Mr Lam has been tasked to protect the police station, clear barricades and conduct patrol on police vehicles.

On November 14, 2019, Tin Shui Wai Police Station was attacked by protesters with petrol bombs. Apart from performing station defence duties, Mr Lam and his colleagues also used firefighting equipment to put out the fires. Having worked 16 hours on that day, he was physically and mentally exhausted. "Regular officers have been working very long hours. I would like to contribute my spare time to share their workload. I hope that violent clashes will soon come to an end and Hong Kong can become a peaceful city again," he said.