'Officers' Well-being Key In Handling Protest'

Police Commissioner Stephen Lo has told officers in an internal memo that the force’s approach in dealing with protesters who surrounded police headquarters for over 15 hours on Friday was taken to protect their well-being, as well as the public interest.

Lo did not specify what decisions senior management made, but police essentially stood by and allowed thousands of demonstrators to block entrances and exits to the compound, with many throwing eggs or aiming lasers at the building. Officers were verbally abused, and some protesters spray-painted obscene anti-police slogans on the exterior walls of the compound.

Remnants of the now-rotten eggs remained visible on the façade of the building as of Sunday morning, giving off a foul stench. Some of the graffiti has yet to be removed.

In the internal message, Lo thanked all his officers for their professionalism and dedication, saying he is proud of their selfless contributions and perseverance in the face of immense pressure, intimidation and the serious threat of violence.

Lo said he and other top officers remained inside the headquarters throughout the blockade, staying with their officers who were fulfilling their duties.