Since 1995, the Force requires newly recruited policewomen undergo firearms training. Three decades later, three members of the first batch armed policewomen recounted to OffBeat their experiences of joining the class and how they faced the challenges under the novel training model.

Joey Kam, currently a Station Sergeant of Public Relations Wing, recalled that the generally weaker gripping power of the female affected their shooting accuracy. The shooting instructor specially designed targeted exercises for the 21 policewomen. Special “spray bottles” tied with rubber bands were used as real guns for shooting practice. She said, “Despite being ‘homemade’, the effect was so significant that everyone met the standard eventually.”

Joey admitted that her shooting and sports training fell far behind the College's requirements at the beginning. “As our physical fitness was poor, we had to grit our teeth and make up for the shortcomings by working hard. Over time, we all developed a persevering attitude for advancement." After 27 weeks of stringent training, she not only graduated successfully, but also became a regular participant in marathon and Trailwalker from initially a frail walker who was weak in sports.

Her classmate Sergeant Jackie Sin, a training instructor of Police Tactical Unit now, has mastered her marksmanship through practising day and night. She was the first member of the class to become a “Use of Force Instructor”. She recalled an interesting episode that happened when she went on duty then. “In the past, policewomen had to patrol in skirts. It was not until members of our class were equipped with guns for duty that we started to wear trousers. When we “walked the beat” with guns at the beginning, citizens often looked at us curiously, and even came over to watch us, saying, “So there are really policewomen equipped with guns.” The most unforgettable instance, however, was that a little girl told her with envy that she wanted to be a policewoman when she grew up. “At that moment, I deeply felt that carrying the gun means shouldering a responsibility and becoming a role model for the next generation.”

Jackie points out that the Force has been making progress, and its equipment has been improving continuously to meet different requirements. Taking the gun belt as an example, policewomen originally used the same style for policemen, but the smaller female waists often caused the gun belts to fall. The sizes of police boots were not suitable for policewomen, either. After considering various opinions, the management has already taken full account of the needs of female officers.

Man Kwong, another "senior member of armed policewomen", is currently a Station Sergeant. After finishing her training, she took up for a few years posts in which a police uniform was worn. She then worked in criminal investigation units for a long time and served as a Police Negotiation Cadre member. She also joined the Cyber Security and Technology Crime Bureau and Complaints Against Police Office subsequently. Two years ago, she was transferred to the Police College as an instructor and became a “master” of recruit police constables (RPCs).

"The Force’s training at present is significantly different from that of the past. For example, RPCs are not necessarily fresh graduates. Their ages and social experience may vary greatly. After working in different formations for many years, I feel that in addition to policing skills, communication with the public is also very important for officers to make their work smoother. I really hope to pass on my experience."

The three first-generation “armed policewomen” have been developing together in the Force for three decades, making contributions to and shining in their respective positions. They demonstrate the spirit that women are not inferior to men and prove that policewomen can advance alongside their male counterparts and hold up half of the Force.

All Force members are welcome to submit good police stories to project the Force’s positive image. Your stories can be submitted through the following channels: email to goodpolicestory@police.gov.hk, call the hotline at 5664-9305 or send messages via P-Chat to #goodpolicestory.