Top Police Officer To Be Next Ombudsman

Deputy police commissioner Winnie Chiu, the third in command in the force, will step down early and become the next Ombudsman, government sources say.

This comes after the police chief Stephen Lo had his term extended for a year to ensure a "smooth transition" of power.

Chiu, 56, is Hong Kong's first female deputy police chief and had been expected to retire from the force when she reaches retirement age in August.

But sources say she will leave early to take over from Connie Lau, who's indicated that she's not interested in staying on as Ombudsman after her contract expires at the end of March.

Sources say the early departure of the deputy chief, who is in charge of management, will have no impact on the force's succession plan.

Deputy chief for operations Chris Tang is tipped to become the next police chief when Lo retires later this year.