10,000 Plus Officers To Ensure Safe Legco Polls

More than 10,000 police officers will be deployed on Legislative Council election day next month, to ensure that the polls take place safely and smoothly.

Police Commissioner Raymond Siu said on Saturday that plainclothes and special duty officers will be on guard against any attempts to disturb or disrupt the polls.

"The Legco election is a very important election. Police have the responsibility to ensure the whole polling work takes place smoothly and safely. Besides, we deploy so many officers with the hopes that all citizens who go to vote will be safe," he told reporters.

The police chief also condemned recent cases of suspected criminal intimidation of Legco candidates, calling the acts "sneaky and childish".

At least two candidates recently said they had received rotten meat by post.

Meanwhile, Siu said the force had never pressured the Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department into changing its policy and euthanise wild boars in urban areas, after an auxiliary officer was badly injured by a boar recently.

He said he couldn't rule out the possibility that those making such suggestions were trying to fan hatred against the police.

"I hope everyone would take the chance to reflect. If the wild boar has a chance to hurt your family members, do you hope the police to come and protect you? What if officers arrive and do nothing, what would you think?" Siu said.

The commissioner said the officer concerned was still in hospital, and would need a third skin operation for a skin graft after operations on his back and his lower leg.