Despite facing unprecedented challenges during Operation TIDERIDER, frontline police officers have remained steadfast in upholding law and order fearlessly. Three officers of Tsim Sha Tsui Division shared with OffBeat their experiences during the operation.

Inspector Chiang

Inspector Chiang has joined Tsim Sha Tsui Division since she passed out from the Police College last June. Despite being a rookie police officer, Ms Chiang has to lead her colleagues to take part in Operation TIDERIDER. "As young officers do not have much frontline experience, they may feel nervous when facing petrol bombs attacks. It was no easy task to hold the defence line when we were under attack. Nevertheless, I have worked side by side with my colleagues to overcome the challenges. This has brought me great satisfaction," Ms Chiang said.

In the face of personal attacks and insults by protesters, Ms Chiang remains restrained to act as a role model for her colleagues. She said, "Before each operation, I will remind my colleagues to discharge their duties in a professional manner. Protesters may hurl insults at us but we should exercise restraint. On the other hand, we will not tolerate illegal behaviour and will bring offenders to justice."

Apart from facing physical attack on the front line, Ms Chiang has also fallen victim to doxxing. Her personal information was disclosed online and she was harassed by phone calls. "Although I feel upset about being doxxed, I have no regrets of joining the Force to serve the public. I know not everyone understands my thoughts but I will stay positive. I have also learnt how to care about colleagues who face the same situation," Ms Chiang said.

Ms Chiang felt fortunate to be able to join the Force during this difficult period. She has gained valuable experience which is beneficial for her career development.

Inspector Chan

Inspector Chan passed out from the Police College last April and is currently stationed in Tsim Sha Tsui Division. During Operation TIDERIDER, he has been tasked to protect government buildings and police stations. He said, "As police officers, we must execute our duties without fear. Our job is to protect the life and property of Hong Kong citizens. We strictly enforce the law and do not condone illegal acts."

Mr Chan said police officers must manage their emotions properly when performing duties. As personal negative emotions may affect other colleagues, Mr Chan always reminds himself to maintain a positive attitude at work. He noted that many police officers have carried out their duties in a professional and impartial manner when dealing with illegal acts and provocative behaviour.

Like many police officers who have been working long hours, Mr Chan works 15 to 16 hours a day. He once worked 36 hours in a shift. "As we have to work on weekends, we do not have much time to spend with our family. We go home to get some sleep after each shift. When we wake up, we go to work again. Most of my friends do not understand the difficulties and challenges faced by police officers."

Mr Chan and many rookie officers have taken part in Operation TIDERIDER soon after they passed out from the Police College. They have learnt different tactics in anti-riot operations and gained valuable experience within a short period of time. "In this operation, we have to ensure the safety of our colleagues, deal with petrol bomb attacks and gather intelligence. These experiences have enhanced officers' capability to curb illegal acts and handle major incidents," Mr Chan said.

Police Constable Jason

Jason, a police constable of Task Force Sub-unit of Tsim Sha Tsui Division, has joined the Force for over three years. During Operation TIDERIDER, he has performed station defence duties and conducted high profile patrols.

Last October, while Jason and his colleagues were performing station defence duties at Tsim Sha Tsui Police Station, they were attacked by protesters with petrol bombs. Though Jason was wearing fireproof riot gear, part of his left hand was burnt by the flame of a petrol bomb. Jason endured the pain and continued to work. He only went to hospital for treatment after finishing his duty.

"I was not scared by this incident. As a police officer, I must stand fast at my post. I have to protect myself and my colleagues," Jason said. Despite facing different dangers in the course of duty, Jason has never wavered in his determination to maintain law and order. His family members also give him unconditional support.

Over the past seven months, radical protesters have shown blatant disregard for the rule of law and breached public peace. They even spread false information online to smear the Force. "Police officers will not be intimidated by violent and unlawful acts. We will continue to remain steadfast in our duties to restore peace to the city and keep citizens from living in fear," Jason said.