The fresh-faced recruit joins the Force ranks

Former Woman Sub-Inspector Kimmy Koh is no different to other elderly Force retirees. The 85-year-old lives in Kwun Tong's Tsui Ping Estate with her cousin, chats with friends, does plenty of cooking and watches TV. However, many may not remember the important milestone she set in the Force's history books when she made her career choice back in 1949.

Arriving in Hong Kong in 1946, from her native Borneo seeking treatment for malaria, she soon recovered and became the Force's first Woman Sub-Inspector.

"Being active and outgoing, I wanted something challenging and so joined the Force instead of working as a civilian," Kimmy said.

She served at Police Headquarters, Kowloon Regional Crime Headquarters and the Police Training School before retiring in 1961. And like her male colleagues, Kimmy had a tough life during her 12-years in the Force. Being proficient in English, Malay, Japanese, Cantonese and a number of other Chinese dialects, she sometimes did translation work also.

Her top performance and enthusiasm was highly praised, and she picked up four commendations for her work in cracking several serious cases. One of those was the murder of two officers in May 1951.

"Investigations revealed the two murdered officers, whose revolvers were missing, were shot dead by someone armed with revolvers belonging to two other officers attacked while patrolling in Tsuen Wan," Kimmy said. She later proved the case informers who were members of a robbery syndicate, had conducted the murders. The four missing revolvers were found in their possession and the gang was convicted.

Kimmy reflects on policing in the 50s

The turbulent 50s often saw Kimmy and her colleagues called upon to help quell confrontations erupting during shantytown clearance operations, particularly when female residents went on the rampage.

She and her team of women officers proved vital in helping restore order in the often dangerous and unpleasant operations.

Although it has been 40 years, she still watches Force developments and was especially pleased with the improvements and top career prospects now available for women officers.

"In the past, we were only entitled to 80 per cent of a male officer's salary. I am really glad both men and women officers now enjoy the same benefits. It not only reflects sexual equality, but also recognises the work and contributions of female officers," she said.

Kimmy said she would keep an eye on future Force developments, adding that good ol' devotion, discipline and professionalism would always be the key to maintaining a high standard of policing.

Kimmy control: Sub-Inspector Koh leads another batch of recruits passing out in the 50s

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