Hundreds of new police needed 'to tackle rioters'

Hundreds of new police needed 'to tackle rioters'

The police on Friday explained why they are looking to boost their manpower by more than 2,500 officers in the coming financial year, saying the new recruits are needed for "anti-riot" operations "in the near future".



In a video posted on the force's Facebook page, superintendent Lau Siu-pong says the new officers will be spread among the police's tactical unit, counter-terrorism unit, and various police regions.



Lau also explains that around 65 percent of the more than HK$600 million the force wants for specialist supplies and equipment – a category that includes weapons and ammunition – will actually be spent on protective gear for officers. Kits they need to keep them safe from injury cost around HK$10,000 each, he says.



He also reveals that the police are planning to buy additional water cannon trucks, as well as new armoured vehicles.



Opposition lawmakers have vowed to try to block the HK$25.8 billion funding proposal for the force – an increase of 25 percent on last year – that was revealed in the government's budget announced by Financial Secretary Paul Chan this week.



Critics who claim the police have been responsible for months of brutality against anti-government protesters say the funding has been bundled with a HK$10,000 cash handout for residents to make sure that it is swiftly passed by Legco.