POLICE FORCE ORDINANCE, 1900
Title
POLICE FORCE ORDINANCE, 1900
Description
No. 11 of 1900.
To consolidate and amend the laics for the establishment and
regulation of the Police Force. [29th December, 1900.]
1. The Police Force Ordinance, 1900.
2. In this Ordinance,-
'Subordinate officer' means every member of the police force
above the rank of constable, except the Captain Superintendent,
the Deputy Superintendent, the Assistant Superintendents and the
Probationers :
'Pension' includes any allowance in the nature of a pension, or
any gratuity on retirement.
PART I.
CONSTITUTION OF THE FORCE.
3.-(1) The Police Force shall consist of a Captain Superinten-
dent, a Deputy Superintendent, and such Assistant Superintendents,
subordinate officers, and constables as may be provided for by the
Governor and Legislatove Council by annual vote or otherwise.
(2). The Governor may also authorise the engagement for the
service of the Police Department of such clerks, coxswains,
engineers, stokers, seamen, boatmen, and other employees as may
be provided for by the Governor and Legislative Council by annual
vote or otherwise.
4. The force shall be.under the control of the Captain Superin-
tendent, and the members thereof shall obey all such lawful com-
mands as they may receive from the Captain Superintendent.
5. It shall be lawful for the Governor to appoint such agents,
with reasonable remuneration for their services and repayment of
disbursements, as to him may seem necessary, for the enlistment, in
other portions of His Majesty's dominions, of fit and proper men
for service in the force.
* As amended by No. 43 of 1912.
+ As amended by No. 50 of 191 1 and No. 21 of 1912.
As amended by No. 50 of 1911 and No. 1 of 1912.
As amended by No. 60 of 1911 and No, 51 of 1911,
PART II.
REGULATION OF THE FORCE.
6. The Captain Superintendent, the Deputy Superintendent, and
each Assistant Superintendent shall, previous to entering on
the duties of their respective offices, take before the Governor the
oath of allegiance and the official oath as set forth in sections 2 and
3 of the Promissory Oaths Ordinance, 1869.
7. The Captain Superintendent shall have and exercise all the
powers of a Justice of the Peace with regard to the police force or
any member thereof.
8. Every subordinate officer and constable shall, before appoint-
ment, be examined and approved by the Captain Superintendent
and Principal Civil Medical Officer, and having been so examined
and approved, according to the forms in the 1st schedule, shall go
before a Magistrate and answer the questions, and subscribe and
take the oath or make the declaration, in the 2nd schedule.
9. Every subordinate officer and constable shall, except as is
hereinafter mentioned, engage and bind himself to serve in the force
for the term of 5 years, during which term he shall not be at liberty
to resign his office or to withdraw hiniself from the duties thereof,
except as is hereinafter provided.
10. It shall be lawful for the Governor-in-Council to authorise the
appointment of any number of constables for such periods of less
than 5 years, atid On such special terms and conditions, as he illay
deein expedient.
11. Every constable so appointed under the last section shall
bind himself to serve for such period and on such terms and condi-
tions as way be agreed upon, and lie shall not be at liberty to resign
or withdraw himself from the force before the expiration of the
period of his engagement, except as hereinafter provided.
12. All the provisions of this Ordinance, except sections 9, 13, 15,
16, 17, and 18, shall, so far as the same are not inconsistent with
the terms and conditions agreed upon, apply equally to constables
As alliended by No. 1 of 1912.
As ainended by No. 50 of 1911.
appointed under or in pursuance of section 10, but in case any such
constable is, subsequently appointed under or in pursuance of
sections 8 and 9 the whole of his tirrie of service under his first
appointment shall be reckoned, in the computation of his service for
the purpose of free passage, bonus, and pension as hereinafter pro-
vided for, and lin such case sections 16, 11 , and 18 shall apply to such
constable.
13. In case any subordinate officer or constable who has com-
pleted his period of 5 years service is desirous of continuing in the
force, he shall be at liberty to engage and bind himself for a further
term of 5 years on similar terms and conditions, and shall take the
oath or inake the declaration prescribed by section 8 : Provided
always that his re-enlistment is approved by the Captain Superin-
tendent.
14. Notwithstanding anything in this Ordinance to the contrary,
the Governor shall have power to grant permission to resign to any
subordifiate officer or constable who may become unfit for further
service from ill-health on the certificate of the Principal Civil
Medical Officer to that effect, or, in any special case brought to his
notice by the Captain Superintendent, the Governor shall have
power to grant to any such officer or to resign.
15. Any subordinate officer or constable shall be entitled to claim
his discharge at any time on his giving to the Captain Superinten-
dent 3 months' notice of his wish to withdraw and paying a sum
equivalent to 2 months' pay of the rank he may hold at the time of
his giving notice of withdrawal for each unexpired year of his term
61 appointment : Provided always that. it shall be lawful for the
Governor to rernit the whole or any part of the said sum.
16. Every European subordinate officer or constable shall, at the
termination of each period of service of 5 years for which he may be
engaged, but subject to the proviso hereinafter contained, be entitled
to a free passage from this Colony to such port in his native country
as the Governor may direct, or, in lieu thereof, he shall be entitled
to a sum by way of bonus equal to the cost of such passage, provided
that such sum does not exceed 3 months pay of the rank to which
at the time he may belong : Provided always tbat lie shall acquire
no right to such free passage or bonus unless he has given 3 months'
As amended by 1;o. 2 of 1912.
previous notice to the Captain Superintendent of his intention to
leave the force at the expiration of such period of service of 5 years,
or unless he engages for a further period of 5 years, in which case
he shall be entitled to the said bonus although he may not have given
such notice.
17. It shall be lawful for the Governor-in-Council to regulate the
general conditions oil which and the manner in which pensions are
to be granted to members of the force, and to determine in each
particular case whether a pension shall or shall not be granted to
any member of the force, and, in the event of the Governor-in-
Council determining that a pension shall be granted to further de-
termine the amount to be paid ill respect thereof and the terms on
which and the nianner in which the same shall be paid.
18. If, within 3 years after the granting of a pension under this
Ordinance to anv niernber of the force, it is proved, to the satisfac-
tion of the Governor-in-Coulicil, that the person to whom such
pension has been granted had been guilty of any corrupt practices
in the execution of his office, either by receiving bribes, or by in-
dticing or compelling payment, directly or indirectly, of any valuable
consideration to himself or to any other person by way of a bribe,
or by otherwise acting corruptly in the execution of or under colour
of his office as a member of the force, then in every such case it shall
be lawful for the Governor-in-Council to revoke and annul the
grant of such pension or to make such reduction therein as to the
Governor-in-Council may appear fit.
19. The Captain Superintendent shall, subject to the approval of
the Governor-in-Couneil, make such regulations as he may deem
expedient for the general government and discipline of the force.
20. It shall be the duty of the Captain Superintendent to inake,
without reference to the Governor but subject to the Governor's
subsequent approval, such other departmental orders as he may
think fit for the carrying out of the daily routine of the force and
for regulating the internal economy thereof.
As amended by No, 50 of 1911 and No. 1 of 1912.
As atilended by No, 1 of 1912.
As arnended by No. 50 of 1911, llo. 1 of 1912 and No. 2 of 1012.
As amended by No. 50 of 1911 and No. 2 of 1012.
21.-(1) Whenever any subordinate officer or constable resigns
the service or ceases to hold and exercise his office, all power and
authority vested in him by virtue thereof shall forthwith cease and
determine to all intents and purpose whatsoever; and every such
officer or constable shall deliver over all and every the arms, am-
munition, horses, accoutrements, and other appointments whatso-
ever which may have been supplied to him in such capacity to the
person and at the time and place to be appointed by the Captain
Superintendent.
(2) It shall be lawful for any Justice of the Peace to issue his
warrant to search for and seize such arms, ammunition, horses, ac-
coutrements, and other appointments which are not so delivered
over, wherever the same may be found.
22. Whenever any subordinate officer or constable is guilty of any
neglect or violation of duty in his office, or refuses or neglects to obey
or execute any warrant lawfully directed to be by him executed, or
is guilty of any disobedience to any regulation made under section
19, or of breach of discipline, or insubordination, or of any other
misconduct as an officer or constable, or, having duly engaged and
bound himself to serve in the force, deserts therefrom, or, having
been permitted to resign, does not, on ceasing to belong to the force,
deliver up all arms, and other aforesaid whatsoever entrusted to him
for the performance of his duty, he shall, on summary conviction,
be liable to a fine not exceeding 200 dollars, or to imprisonment for
any term not exceeding 6 months, and he shall further forfeit all
pay during his imprisonment.
23.-(1) The Captain Superintendent, or the Deputy Stiperin-
tendent shall, in case of breach of discipline or neglect of duty by any
sergeant or constable, have power to order the offender to forfeit a
sum not exceeding 25 dollars.
(2) All sums forfeited under this section shall be paid into the
Treasury as the Captain Superintendent inay direct, and shall be
applied to such purposes in connexion with the force as the Gover-
nor may direct, either by general instruction or by a special order
in any particular case.
24. The Governor shall have power, on the representation of the
Captain Superintendent, to dismiss subordinate officer or con-
Asarnended by No. 5 of 1.911, No. '30 of 1911, No. 1 of 1912,
No. 2 of -1912 and 'Th, o. 21 of 1912.
+ As ainended by No. 5 'of 19H, No. .50 of 1911 and ~\o. 1 of 1912.
As amended by No. 1 of 1912.
stable for misconduct or neglect of duty, or to approve of the
reduction of any sergeant, lance-sergeant, or constable to a lower
grade or class.
25.-(1) The Governor is berebv empowered to grant rewards, to
any officers, subordinate officers, or constables who may distinguish
themselves by extraordinary diligence, zeal, or exertion in the
execution of their duties, and the Captain Superintendent shall
report to the Governor any such officer, subordinate officer, or con-
stable who may so distingnilsh himself, stating the nature of the
(2) The Governor shall have power to grant distinctive badges or
medals to officers or constables for long and faithful or extraordinary
services, and to withdraw the same if the recipient is subsequently
guilty of misconduct.
26. It shall be lawful for the Governor to direct suitable stations
for the quarters and accommodation of the force, and furniture suit-
able for the same, to be provided, and to direct the erection, fitting
up, and furnishing of suitable premises as places for instructing
training, and drilling the foree, as occasion may require.
PART III.
MISULLANEOUS PROVISIONS.
[s. 127, rep. No. 1 of 1912.]
28-(1) It shall be lawful for any officer of police to apprehend
any person who may be charged with, or whom he may reasonably
suspect of being guilty of, any offence without any warrant for that
purpose, and whether he has seen such offence committed or not.
(2.) Whenever any person so apprechended is brought without
warrant to the officer in charge of any police station, it shall be law-
ful for such officer, in a case of any offence which is not a felony, if
lie deenis it proper to do so and if no Magistrate is in attendance at
his office, to take bail by recognizance, with or without sureties, in
a sufficient sum, without fee or reward from such person, conditioned
that such person shall appear for examination before a Magistrate
at some place to be specified in the recognizance, being the earliest
time then next after when a Magistrate will be in attendance, at his
offlice ; and every recognizance so taken shall be of equal obligation
on the parties entering into the same, and liable to the same pro-
As amended 1) 3
.~ No. 4' ol W12 Supp, Sched.
As. amendud by No. 51 of 1911 , -No. 1 of 1912, No. 8 of 1912,
No. 43 of 1912 and No. 4s of 1912 Supp. Sched.
ceedings for estreating thereof, as if the same had been taken before
a Magistrate.
(3) The respective names, residences, and occupations of the per-
son so apprehended and of his surety or sureties, if any, entering
into such recognizance, together with the condition thereof and the
sums respectively acknowledged, shall be entered in a book to be
kept for that purpose, which shall be laid before the Magistrate
before whom the person apprehended is to appear; and if he does
not appear when called upon at the time and place mentioned in the
recognizance, the Magistrate shall forthwith estreat the recogniz-
ance : Provided that, if the person apprehended appears and makes
application for a postponement of the hearing of the charge against
him, the Magistrate may enlarge the recognizance to such further
time as he may think proper, and wben the inatter has been heard
and determined, such recognizance shall be discharged without, fee or
reward.
29. In case any action is brought against any officer or constable
of the force for any act done in obedience to the warrant of any
Magistrate, the officer or constable shall not be responsible for any
irregularity in the issuing of the warrant or for any want of jurisdic-
tion in the Magistrate issuing the same, and he may plead the
general issue and give snefi warrant in evidence; and, on production
of the warrant and proof that the signature Cbereto is the hand-
witing of a person relnited to be a Magistrate and that the act was
done in obedience to the warrant, the Jury or Court shall find a
verdict or give judginent for the defendant, who shall also recover
double his costs of suit.
30. If any victualler or keeper of a house, shop, room, or other
place for the sale of any liquors, whether spirituous or otherwise,
knowingly harbours or entertains any member of the force, or per-
mits him to abide or remain in his house or on other his premises,
during any part of the time appointed for his being on duty, he
shall, on summary conviction, be liable, to a fine, not, exceeding 100
dollars, together with costs, to be recovered in a sumniary manner
as the Magistrate may direct, and in default of payment, shall be
liable to imprisonment lor any term not exceeding 6 months.
31. If any person assaults or resists any member of the foree
acting in the execution of his duty, or aids or incites any person so
As amended 'by No. 1 of 1912 and Nio. 2 of 1912.
As amended by No. 30 of 1911, No. 1 of 1912, No. 2 of l~12 and
No. 21 of 1912.
to assault or resist, or refuses to assist any such member in the
execution of his duty when called upon to do so, he shall, on sum-
many conviction, be liable to a fine not exceeding 200 dollars,
together with costs, to be recovered in a summary manner as the
Magistrate may direct.
32.-(1) It shall be lawful for the Governor, on the application of
any householder, to appoint any member of the force to do special
police duty in and upon the premises of the applicant on payment to
the Captain Superintendent for the same of the whole of the pay
and allowances of such constable.
(2) All sums so received shall be paid by him into the Treasury
forthwith, and be accounted for monthly; and every sume of money
due for such special services shall be deemed a debt due to the
Crown, and shall be recoverable in like manner as other Crown
debts in respect of rent and otherwise are by law recoverable.
33.The repeals effected by this Ordinance shall not invalidate
any appointments, rules, regulations, or departmental orders made
under any Ordinance hereby repealed, but the same shall be and
reniain as valid as if made under this Ordinance.
FIRST SCHEDULE [s.8.]
FORM No. 1.
Examination of a Candidate for the Hongkong Police Force
QUESTIONS. ANSWERS.
1. Name?
2. Age?
3. Height?
4. Complexion?
5. Eyes?
6. Hair?
7. Particular Marks?
8. Figure?
Parish, Province, or
District of?
9. Where born In or near the Town of?
In the Colony or Country of?
10. Trade or Calling?
11. Religion?
12. Read and Write?
13. Singleor Married?
14. Number of Children?
15. Residence?
16. What Public Service?
17. Regiment, Corps, etc.?
18. Length of Service?
19. Amount of Pension?
20. When discharged?
21. With whom last employed?
22. And where?
23. If ever in the Poice Service before?
24. Name, Address, and Occupation
of nearest Relative?
Dated the day of , 19 .
(Signed.) Candidate.
Approved for Medical Examination.
Dated the day of , 19 .
(Signed.) Captain Superintendent of Police.
As amended by No. 50 of 1911, No. 1 of 1912 and No. 2 of 1912.
FORM No. 2
Medical Certificate.
I hereby certify that I have examined the above Candidate as to his health and
bodily strength, and that I consider him for Police duty.
Dated the day of , 19.
(Signed.) Principal Civil Medical Officer.
SECOND SCHEDULE [s.8.]
FROM No. 1.
Examination by and Oath before magiatrate.
Qestions to be put sparately by the Magistrate to a person engaging or enlisting
into the service of the Police Force.
QUESTIONS. ANSWERS.
1. What is your name?
2. In what place were you born?
3. What is your trade or calling?
4. Are you married?
5. Are your ruptured or lame? have your ever been,
subject to fits; or have you any disability or
disorder which impedes the free use of your
limbs or unfits you for ordinary labout?
6. Do you belong to the Navy, or Army, or Miltia?
7. Have you ever served in the Navy, or Army, or
Militia, or volunteers, or Territorial Force?
8. Are you willing to serve in the Police Force of
Hongkong for the term of
from
I, make oath that the above questions have been separately put to
me, that the answers thereto have been read over to me, and that they are the same
that I gave and are true.
I also make oath that I will well and faithfully serve His Majesty, His Heirs and
Successors, for the term of as of the Police Force of
Hongkong, and will obey all orders of His Majesty, His heirs and Successors, and of
all Magistrates and Officers set over me: So help me God.
(Signed.) Candidate.
(Signed.) Witness.
Sworn before me, at Victoria, Hongkong,
this day of , 19 .
(Signed.) Magistrate.
FORM No. 2
Declaration in lieu of Oath.
I, solemnly, sincerely, and truly declare that the above questions have
been separately put to me, that the answers thereto have been read over to me, and
that they are the same that I gave and are true.
I also solemnly, sincerely, and truly declare that I will well and faaithfully serve His
Majesty, His Heits and Successor, for the term of as
of the Police Force of Hongkong, and will observe and obey all order of His Majesty,
His Heirs and Successors and off all Magistrates and Officers set over me.
(Signed.) Candidate.
(Signed.) Witness.
Declared before me at Victoria, Hongkong,
this day of , 19
(Signed.) Magistrate.
No. 12 of 1900, repealed by No. 19 of 1911. Short title. Interpretation. Constitution of force, etc. Control of force. Employment of agents to enlist men for force. Oath of allegiance, etc., by superior officers. No. 1 of 1869. Captain Superintendent to be Justice of the Peace, in matters of police. Examination, etc., of subordinate officers and constables. Period of engagement of subordinate officers and constables. Power to enrol constables for limited periods. Engagement of constable appointed under s.10. Application of the Ordinance to constables appointed under s.10. Renewal of service by subordinate officer or constable for further period. Circumstances in which subordinate officer or constable may be allowed to resign. Terms on which subordinate officer or constable may claim his discharge. Free passage or bonus for European subordinate officer or constable after 5 years service. Provisions as to pensions for members of force. Revocation of pension. Regulations. Departmental orders. Delivery up of arms, etc., by subordinate officer or constable on quitting force. Penalty on subordinate officer or constable for neglect of duty, etc. Power to punish for breach of discipline. Dismissal or reduction of subordinate officer or constable for misconduct. Power to grant rewards, badges, and medals for extraordinary services, etc. Provision of stations and furniture. Officer or constable may apprehend person charged with or suspected of committing an offence; bail. Protection of officer or constable acting in execution of warrant. Penalty on victualler, etc., harbouring member of force while on duty. Penalty on person assaulting, etc., member of force acting in execution of duty. Special duty and expenses thereof on householder's application. Cf. No. 6 of 1875. Savings.
To consolidate and amend the laics for the establishment and
regulation of the Police Force. [29th December, 1900.]
1. The Police Force Ordinance, 1900.
2. In this Ordinance,-
'Subordinate officer' means every member of the police force
above the rank of constable, except the Captain Superintendent,
the Deputy Superintendent, the Assistant Superintendents and the
Probationers :
'Pension' includes any allowance in the nature of a pension, or
any gratuity on retirement.
PART I.
CONSTITUTION OF THE FORCE.
3.-(1) The Police Force shall consist of a Captain Superinten-
dent, a Deputy Superintendent, and such Assistant Superintendents,
subordinate officers, and constables as may be provided for by the
Governor and Legislatove Council by annual vote or otherwise.
(2). The Governor may also authorise the engagement for the
service of the Police Department of such clerks, coxswains,
engineers, stokers, seamen, boatmen, and other employees as may
be provided for by the Governor and Legislative Council by annual
vote or otherwise.
4. The force shall be.under the control of the Captain Superin-
tendent, and the members thereof shall obey all such lawful com-
mands as they may receive from the Captain Superintendent.
5. It shall be lawful for the Governor to appoint such agents,
with reasonable remuneration for their services and repayment of
disbursements, as to him may seem necessary, for the enlistment, in
other portions of His Majesty's dominions, of fit and proper men
for service in the force.
* As amended by No. 43 of 1912.
+ As amended by No. 50 of 191 1 and No. 21 of 1912.
As amended by No. 50 of 1911 and No. 1 of 1912.
As amended by No. 60 of 1911 and No, 51 of 1911,
PART II.
REGULATION OF THE FORCE.
6. The Captain Superintendent, the Deputy Superintendent, and
each Assistant Superintendent shall, previous to entering on
the duties of their respective offices, take before the Governor the
oath of allegiance and the official oath as set forth in sections 2 and
3 of the Promissory Oaths Ordinance, 1869.
7. The Captain Superintendent shall have and exercise all the
powers of a Justice of the Peace with regard to the police force or
any member thereof.
8. Every subordinate officer and constable shall, before appoint-
ment, be examined and approved by the Captain Superintendent
and Principal Civil Medical Officer, and having been so examined
and approved, according to the forms in the 1st schedule, shall go
before a Magistrate and answer the questions, and subscribe and
take the oath or make the declaration, in the 2nd schedule.
9. Every subordinate officer and constable shall, except as is
hereinafter mentioned, engage and bind himself to serve in the force
for the term of 5 years, during which term he shall not be at liberty
to resign his office or to withdraw hiniself from the duties thereof,
except as is hereinafter provided.
10. It shall be lawful for the Governor-in-Council to authorise the
appointment of any number of constables for such periods of less
than 5 years, atid On such special terms and conditions, as he illay
deein expedient.
11. Every constable so appointed under the last section shall
bind himself to serve for such period and on such terms and condi-
tions as way be agreed upon, and lie shall not be at liberty to resign
or withdraw himself from the force before the expiration of the
period of his engagement, except as hereinafter provided.
12. All the provisions of this Ordinance, except sections 9, 13, 15,
16, 17, and 18, shall, so far as the same are not inconsistent with
the terms and conditions agreed upon, apply equally to constables
As alliended by No. 1 of 1912.
As ainended by No. 50 of 1911.
appointed under or in pursuance of section 10, but in case any such
constable is, subsequently appointed under or in pursuance of
sections 8 and 9 the whole of his tirrie of service under his first
appointment shall be reckoned, in the computation of his service for
the purpose of free passage, bonus, and pension as hereinafter pro-
vided for, and lin such case sections 16, 11 , and 18 shall apply to such
constable.
13. In case any subordinate officer or constable who has com-
pleted his period of 5 years service is desirous of continuing in the
force, he shall be at liberty to engage and bind himself for a further
term of 5 years on similar terms and conditions, and shall take the
oath or inake the declaration prescribed by section 8 : Provided
always that his re-enlistment is approved by the Captain Superin-
tendent.
14. Notwithstanding anything in this Ordinance to the contrary,
the Governor shall have power to grant permission to resign to any
subordifiate officer or constable who may become unfit for further
service from ill-health on the certificate of the Principal Civil
Medical Officer to that effect, or, in any special case brought to his
notice by the Captain Superintendent, the Governor shall have
power to grant to any such officer or to resign.
15. Any subordinate officer or constable shall be entitled to claim
his discharge at any time on his giving to the Captain Superinten-
dent 3 months' notice of his wish to withdraw and paying a sum
equivalent to 2 months' pay of the rank he may hold at the time of
his giving notice of withdrawal for each unexpired year of his term
61 appointment : Provided always that. it shall be lawful for the
Governor to rernit the whole or any part of the said sum.
16. Every European subordinate officer or constable shall, at the
termination of each period of service of 5 years for which he may be
engaged, but subject to the proviso hereinafter contained, be entitled
to a free passage from this Colony to such port in his native country
as the Governor may direct, or, in lieu thereof, he shall be entitled
to a sum by way of bonus equal to the cost of such passage, provided
that such sum does not exceed 3 months pay of the rank to which
at the time he may belong : Provided always tbat lie shall acquire
no right to such free passage or bonus unless he has given 3 months'
As amended by 1;o. 2 of 1912.
previous notice to the Captain Superintendent of his intention to
leave the force at the expiration of such period of service of 5 years,
or unless he engages for a further period of 5 years, in which case
he shall be entitled to the said bonus although he may not have given
such notice.
17. It shall be lawful for the Governor-in-Council to regulate the
general conditions oil which and the manner in which pensions are
to be granted to members of the force, and to determine in each
particular case whether a pension shall or shall not be granted to
any member of the force, and, in the event of the Governor-in-
Council determining that a pension shall be granted to further de-
termine the amount to be paid ill respect thereof and the terms on
which and the nianner in which the same shall be paid.
18. If, within 3 years after the granting of a pension under this
Ordinance to anv niernber of the force, it is proved, to the satisfac-
tion of the Governor-in-Coulicil, that the person to whom such
pension has been granted had been guilty of any corrupt practices
in the execution of his office, either by receiving bribes, or by in-
dticing or compelling payment, directly or indirectly, of any valuable
consideration to himself or to any other person by way of a bribe,
or by otherwise acting corruptly in the execution of or under colour
of his office as a member of the force, then in every such case it shall
be lawful for the Governor-in-Council to revoke and annul the
grant of such pension or to make such reduction therein as to the
Governor-in-Council may appear fit.
19. The Captain Superintendent shall, subject to the approval of
the Governor-in-Couneil, make such regulations as he may deem
expedient for the general government and discipline of the force.
20. It shall be the duty of the Captain Superintendent to inake,
without reference to the Governor but subject to the Governor's
subsequent approval, such other departmental orders as he may
think fit for the carrying out of the daily routine of the force and
for regulating the internal economy thereof.
As amended by No, 50 of 1911 and No. 1 of 1912.
As atilended by No, 1 of 1912.
As arnended by No. 50 of 1911, llo. 1 of 1912 and No. 2 of 1012.
As amended by No. 50 of 1911 and No. 2 of 1012.
21.-(1) Whenever any subordinate officer or constable resigns
the service or ceases to hold and exercise his office, all power and
authority vested in him by virtue thereof shall forthwith cease and
determine to all intents and purpose whatsoever; and every such
officer or constable shall deliver over all and every the arms, am-
munition, horses, accoutrements, and other appointments whatso-
ever which may have been supplied to him in such capacity to the
person and at the time and place to be appointed by the Captain
Superintendent.
(2) It shall be lawful for any Justice of the Peace to issue his
warrant to search for and seize such arms, ammunition, horses, ac-
coutrements, and other appointments which are not so delivered
over, wherever the same may be found.
22. Whenever any subordinate officer or constable is guilty of any
neglect or violation of duty in his office, or refuses or neglects to obey
or execute any warrant lawfully directed to be by him executed, or
is guilty of any disobedience to any regulation made under section
19, or of breach of discipline, or insubordination, or of any other
misconduct as an officer or constable, or, having duly engaged and
bound himself to serve in the force, deserts therefrom, or, having
been permitted to resign, does not, on ceasing to belong to the force,
deliver up all arms, and other aforesaid whatsoever entrusted to him
for the performance of his duty, he shall, on summary conviction,
be liable to a fine not exceeding 200 dollars, or to imprisonment for
any term not exceeding 6 months, and he shall further forfeit all
pay during his imprisonment.
23.-(1) The Captain Superintendent, or the Deputy Stiperin-
tendent shall, in case of breach of discipline or neglect of duty by any
sergeant or constable, have power to order the offender to forfeit a
sum not exceeding 25 dollars.
(2) All sums forfeited under this section shall be paid into the
Treasury as the Captain Superintendent inay direct, and shall be
applied to such purposes in connexion with the force as the Gover-
nor may direct, either by general instruction or by a special order
in any particular case.
24. The Governor shall have power, on the representation of the
Captain Superintendent, to dismiss subordinate officer or con-
Asarnended by No. 5 of 1.911, No. '30 of 1911, No. 1 of 1912,
No. 2 of -1912 and 'Th, o. 21 of 1912.
+ As ainended by No. 5 'of 19H, No. .50 of 1911 and ~\o. 1 of 1912.
As amended by No. 1 of 1912.
stable for misconduct or neglect of duty, or to approve of the
reduction of any sergeant, lance-sergeant, or constable to a lower
grade or class.
25.-(1) The Governor is berebv empowered to grant rewards, to
any officers, subordinate officers, or constables who may distinguish
themselves by extraordinary diligence, zeal, or exertion in the
execution of their duties, and the Captain Superintendent shall
report to the Governor any such officer, subordinate officer, or con-
stable who may so distingnilsh himself, stating the nature of the
(2) The Governor shall have power to grant distinctive badges or
medals to officers or constables for long and faithful or extraordinary
services, and to withdraw the same if the recipient is subsequently
guilty of misconduct.
26. It shall be lawful for the Governor to direct suitable stations
for the quarters and accommodation of the force, and furniture suit-
able for the same, to be provided, and to direct the erection, fitting
up, and furnishing of suitable premises as places for instructing
training, and drilling the foree, as occasion may require.
PART III.
MISULLANEOUS PROVISIONS.
[s. 127, rep. No. 1 of 1912.]
28-(1) It shall be lawful for any officer of police to apprehend
any person who may be charged with, or whom he may reasonably
suspect of being guilty of, any offence without any warrant for that
purpose, and whether he has seen such offence committed or not.
(2.) Whenever any person so apprechended is brought without
warrant to the officer in charge of any police station, it shall be law-
ful for such officer, in a case of any offence which is not a felony, if
lie deenis it proper to do so and if no Magistrate is in attendance at
his office, to take bail by recognizance, with or without sureties, in
a sufficient sum, without fee or reward from such person, conditioned
that such person shall appear for examination before a Magistrate
at some place to be specified in the recognizance, being the earliest
time then next after when a Magistrate will be in attendance, at his
offlice ; and every recognizance so taken shall be of equal obligation
on the parties entering into the same, and liable to the same pro-
As amended 1) 3
.~ No. 4' ol W12 Supp, Sched.
As. amendud by No. 51 of 1911 , -No. 1 of 1912, No. 8 of 1912,
No. 43 of 1912 and No. 4s of 1912 Supp. Sched.
ceedings for estreating thereof, as if the same had been taken before
a Magistrate.
(3) The respective names, residences, and occupations of the per-
son so apprehended and of his surety or sureties, if any, entering
into such recognizance, together with the condition thereof and the
sums respectively acknowledged, shall be entered in a book to be
kept for that purpose, which shall be laid before the Magistrate
before whom the person apprehended is to appear; and if he does
not appear when called upon at the time and place mentioned in the
recognizance, the Magistrate shall forthwith estreat the recogniz-
ance : Provided that, if the person apprehended appears and makes
application for a postponement of the hearing of the charge against
him, the Magistrate may enlarge the recognizance to such further
time as he may think proper, and wben the inatter has been heard
and determined, such recognizance shall be discharged without, fee or
reward.
29. In case any action is brought against any officer or constable
of the force for any act done in obedience to the warrant of any
Magistrate, the officer or constable shall not be responsible for any
irregularity in the issuing of the warrant or for any want of jurisdic-
tion in the Magistrate issuing the same, and he may plead the
general issue and give snefi warrant in evidence; and, on production
of the warrant and proof that the signature Cbereto is the hand-
witing of a person relnited to be a Magistrate and that the act was
done in obedience to the warrant, the Jury or Court shall find a
verdict or give judginent for the defendant, who shall also recover
double his costs of suit.
30. If any victualler or keeper of a house, shop, room, or other
place for the sale of any liquors, whether spirituous or otherwise,
knowingly harbours or entertains any member of the force, or per-
mits him to abide or remain in his house or on other his premises,
during any part of the time appointed for his being on duty, he
shall, on summary conviction, be liable, to a fine, not, exceeding 100
dollars, together with costs, to be recovered in a sumniary manner
as the Magistrate may direct, and in default of payment, shall be
liable to imprisonment lor any term not exceeding 6 months.
31. If any person assaults or resists any member of the foree
acting in the execution of his duty, or aids or incites any person so
As amended 'by No. 1 of 1912 and Nio. 2 of 1912.
As amended by No. 30 of 1911, No. 1 of 1912, No. 2 of l~12 and
No. 21 of 1912.
to assault or resist, or refuses to assist any such member in the
execution of his duty when called upon to do so, he shall, on sum-
many conviction, be liable to a fine not exceeding 200 dollars,
together with costs, to be recovered in a summary manner as the
Magistrate may direct.
32.-(1) It shall be lawful for the Governor, on the application of
any householder, to appoint any member of the force to do special
police duty in and upon the premises of the applicant on payment to
the Captain Superintendent for the same of the whole of the pay
and allowances of such constable.
(2) All sums so received shall be paid by him into the Treasury
forthwith, and be accounted for monthly; and every sume of money
due for such special services shall be deemed a debt due to the
Crown, and shall be recoverable in like manner as other Crown
debts in respect of rent and otherwise are by law recoverable.
33.The repeals effected by this Ordinance shall not invalidate
any appointments, rules, regulations, or departmental orders made
under any Ordinance hereby repealed, but the same shall be and
reniain as valid as if made under this Ordinance.
FIRST SCHEDULE [s.8.]
FORM No. 1.
Examination of a Candidate for the Hongkong Police Force
QUESTIONS. ANSWERS.
1. Name?
2. Age?
3. Height?
4. Complexion?
5. Eyes?
6. Hair?
7. Particular Marks?
8. Figure?
Parish, Province, or
District of?
9. Where born In or near the Town of?
In the Colony or Country of?
10. Trade or Calling?
11. Religion?
12. Read and Write?
13. Singleor Married?
14. Number of Children?
15. Residence?
16. What Public Service?
17. Regiment, Corps, etc.?
18. Length of Service?
19. Amount of Pension?
20. When discharged?
21. With whom last employed?
22. And where?
23. If ever in the Poice Service before?
24. Name, Address, and Occupation
of nearest Relative?
Dated the day of , 19 .
(Signed.) Candidate.
Approved for Medical Examination.
Dated the day of , 19 .
(Signed.) Captain Superintendent of Police.
As amended by No. 50 of 1911, No. 1 of 1912 and No. 2 of 1912.
FORM No. 2
Medical Certificate.
I hereby certify that I have examined the above Candidate as to his health and
bodily strength, and that I consider him for Police duty.
Dated the day of , 19.
(Signed.) Principal Civil Medical Officer.
SECOND SCHEDULE [s.8.]
FROM No. 1.
Examination by and Oath before magiatrate.
Qestions to be put sparately by the Magistrate to a person engaging or enlisting
into the service of the Police Force.
QUESTIONS. ANSWERS.
1. What is your name?
2. In what place were you born?
3. What is your trade or calling?
4. Are you married?
5. Are your ruptured or lame? have your ever been,
subject to fits; or have you any disability or
disorder which impedes the free use of your
limbs or unfits you for ordinary labout?
6. Do you belong to the Navy, or Army, or Miltia?
7. Have you ever served in the Navy, or Army, or
Militia, or volunteers, or Territorial Force?
8. Are you willing to serve in the Police Force of
Hongkong for the term of
from
I, make oath that the above questions have been separately put to
me, that the answers thereto have been read over to me, and that they are the same
that I gave and are true.
I also make oath that I will well and faithfully serve His Majesty, His Heirs and
Successors, for the term of as of the Police Force of
Hongkong, and will obey all orders of His Majesty, His heirs and Successors, and of
all Magistrates and Officers set over me: So help me God.
(Signed.) Candidate.
(Signed.) Witness.
Sworn before me, at Victoria, Hongkong,
this day of , 19 .
(Signed.) Magistrate.
FORM No. 2
Declaration in lieu of Oath.
I, solemnly, sincerely, and truly declare that the above questions have
been separately put to me, that the answers thereto have been read over to me, and
that they are the same that I gave and are true.
I also solemnly, sincerely, and truly declare that I will well and faaithfully serve His
Majesty, His Heits and Successor, for the term of as
of the Police Force of Hongkong, and will observe and obey all order of His Majesty,
His Heirs and Successors and off all Magistrates and Officers set over me.
(Signed.) Candidate.
(Signed.) Witness.
Declared before me at Victoria, Hongkong,
this day of , 19
(Signed.) Magistrate.
No. 12 of 1900, repealed by No. 19 of 1911. Short title. Interpretation. Constitution of force, etc. Control of force. Employment of agents to enlist men for force. Oath of allegiance, etc., by superior officers. No. 1 of 1869. Captain Superintendent to be Justice of the Peace, in matters of police. Examination, etc., of subordinate officers and constables. Period of engagement of subordinate officers and constables. Power to enrol constables for limited periods. Engagement of constable appointed under s.10. Application of the Ordinance to constables appointed under s.10. Renewal of service by subordinate officer or constable for further period. Circumstances in which subordinate officer or constable may be allowed to resign. Terms on which subordinate officer or constable may claim his discharge. Free passage or bonus for European subordinate officer or constable after 5 years service. Provisions as to pensions for members of force. Revocation of pension. Regulations. Departmental orders. Delivery up of arms, etc., by subordinate officer or constable on quitting force. Penalty on subordinate officer or constable for neglect of duty, etc. Power to punish for breach of discipline. Dismissal or reduction of subordinate officer or constable for misconduct. Power to grant rewards, badges, and medals for extraordinary services, etc. Provision of stations and furniture. Officer or constable may apprehend person charged with or suspected of committing an offence; bail. Protection of officer or constable acting in execution of warrant. Penalty on victualler, etc., harbouring member of force while on duty. Penalty on person assaulting, etc., member of force acting in execution of duty. Special duty and expenses thereof on householder's application. Cf. No. 6 of 1875. Savings.
Abstract
Short title. Interpretation. Constitution of force, etc. Control of force. Employment of agents to enlist men for force. Oath of allegiance, etc., by superior officers. No. 1 of 1869. Captain Superintendent to be Justice of the Peace, in matters of police. Examination, etc., of subordinate officers and constables. Period of engagement of subordinate officers and constables. Power to enrol constables for limited periods. Engagement of constable appointed under s.10. Application of the Ordinance to constables appointed under s.10. Renewal of service by subordinate officer or constable for further period. Circumstances in which subordinate officer or constable may be allowed to resign. Terms on which subordinate officer or constable may claim his discharge. Free passage or bonus for European subordinate officer or constable after 5 years service. Provisions as to pensions for members of force. Revocation of pension. Regulations. Departmental orders. Delivery up of arms, etc., by subordinate officer or constable on quitting force. Penalty on subordinate officer or constable for neglect of duty, etc. Power to punish for breach of discipline. Dismissal or reduction of subordinate officer or constable for misconduct. Power to grant rewards, badges, and medals for extraordinary services, etc. Provision of stations and furniture. Officer or constable may apprehend person charged with or suspected of committing an offence; bail. Protection of officer or constable acting in execution of warrant. Penalty on victualler, etc., harbouring member of force while on duty. Penalty on person assaulting, etc., member of force acting in execution of duty. Special duty and expenses thereof on householder's application. Cf. No. 6 of 1875. Savings.
Identifier
https://oelawhk.lib.hku.hk/items/show/909
Edition
1912
Volume
v1
Subsequent Cap No.
232
Cap / Ordinance No.
No. 11 of 1900
Number of Pages
10
Files
Collection
Historical Laws of Hong Kong Online
Citation
“POLICE FORCE ORDINANCE, 1900,” Historical Laws of Hong Kong Online, accessed April 22, 2025, https://oelawhk.lib.hku.hk/items/show/909.
