Police Association Urges Licensing Regime For Media

The head of the city's biggest police association has called for a licensing regime for journalists, saying it has nothing to do with press freedom as Western countries also have similar systems in place.

Lam Chi-wai said such a mechanism could stop the what he called "unprofessional reporters" from obstructing law enforcement works and reduce misunderstandings.

In an open letter to members of the Junior Police Officers' Association, Lam said if the licensing regime could be implemented, it's the news industry that's going to benefit.

He added the current threshold to be a reporter is too lax, leading to constant queries about the industry's professionalism.

He highlighted the recent cases of a 13-year-old reporter led away from a mall protest, and derogatory comments made by a reporter from an online outlet about the physical appearance of female officers, to back his claims.

The police have faced renewed accusations that they're attacking the freedom of the press, after officers pepper sprayed journalists covering a street protest in Mong Kok on Sunday, and ordered them to kneel down and stop recording.

Police Commissioner Chris Tang said later that the treatment was undesirable and he will meet with media groups next week to discuss the matter.