The Police Force has a target of recruiting 130 probationary inspectors and 1,140 police constables for the 2025-26 financial year.

Secretary for Security Tang Ping-keung told legislators today that as at March 31 this year, the numbers of vacancies in the force for the grades of rank and file, inspectorate officers and gazetted officers, ie Superintendents and above, were 5,500, 236 and 29 respectively.

The overall number of vacancies was 5,765, representing a vacancy rate of about 17.4%, which is similar to figures over the past three years.

To enhance the effectiveness of recruitment efforts, the force has adopted a multi-pronged approach. Besides conducting recruitment exercises throughout the year, it organises various recruitment activities on a regular basis.

Additionally, the force has expanded its recruitment network by conducting recruitment exercises at universities worldwide.

Mr Tang said the rise in the number of people applying to join the Police Force in recent years shows that its recruitment strategies are effective.

He added that the force will align with the Government’s requirement to reduce the civil service establishment by 2% each year in 2026-27 and 2027-28, while continuing to review and assess the effectiveness of using different resources.

By re-establishing work priorities, appropriately redeploying staff and using technologies to enhance operational effectiveness, he stressed, the force will ensure that the adjustment in numbers does not affect the efficiency and provision of its services, and that it will continue to provide the public with high-quality and efficient policing.