Interview: Raymond Siu Chak Yee, Commissioner of Police of the Hong Kong Police Force

WPS Is a Nexus for Partnerships, Knowledge Exchange, and Technological Advancement

In an exclusive interview to the World Police Summit, Raymond Siu Chak Yee, Commissioner of Police of the Hong Kong Police Force, describes the significance of the World Police Summit in fostering international collaboration, sharing insights on technology to combat crime, and forging partnerships in addressing current law enforcement challenges

WPS: The World Police Summit gathers notable international law enforcement leaders and experts under one roof. In your opinion, how can such summits contribute to fostering knowledge exchange and international collaboration in addressing the rapid challenges police forces face in combating local and organized crime?

Siu Chak Yee: The World Police Summit is not just an event; it’s the cornerstone of future policing.  Uniquely blending in-depth discussions with exhibitions of the latest crime-fighting solutions, it is an unparalleled event facilitating public-private partnerships and providing a comprehensive platform for law enforcement professionals worldwide. From my perspective, the Summit serves three core functions – building partnerships, enabling exchanges and training, and developing technological know-how. I firmly believe that active participation in the World Police Summit is imperative for any forward-thinking law enforcement agency. It is a dynamic platform where strategic insights are shared, relationships are solidified, and operational effectiveness is honed. It is not just an opportunity but a necessity for those committed to staying at the forefront of policing excellence.

From drones to databases, it’s all about giving police leaders the edge they need

WPS: Given your expertise in the field, has technology played a central role in supporting security and law enforcement operations today? Could you provide insights into Hong Kong’s experience in leveraging technology to enhance public safety and effectively combat crime?

Siu Chak Yee: In the realm of developing technological know-how, the Summit serves as a melting pot of diverse expertise, uniting specialists and officials from various countries and organizations in a joint stand against multifaceted crime.  Its expansive agenda spans a wide spectrum of law enforcement challenges, from crime prevention and combatting prevailing crimes to counterterrorism and national security.  The exhibition booths offer hands-on experience with cutting-edge policing technologies and tools, enabling police leaders to consider the practical application of such advancements.  From drones to databases, it’s all about giving police leaders the edge they need. Hong Kong Police Force’s participation in the exhibition is a testament to the value of such technological integration. Sharing our experience in leveraging technology to enhance public safety, we present in the Summit’s exhibition our innovative rescue solutions, including the 3R Solutions and the HKSOS mobile app.

WPS:  How do your 3R Solutions and the HKSOS mobile app work?

Siu Chak Yee: The 3R Solutions platform, designed for collaborative use across departments, comprises R-Map for Search and Rescue-specific digital mapping, R-Watch for tracking rescue teams’ locations and health data, and R-Cam for streaming live video to command centers, enabling quick, informed decision-making during operations. The HKSOS app, directly connected to the police report center, allows for immediate location sharing when a distress signal is triggered, ensuring prompt response to emergencies, even in areas without mobile data, using Signal Radar technology. These advancements have significantly reduced extended Search and Rescue operations.  These solutions were internationally recognized with three Gold Medals at the 48th International Exhibition of Inventions of Geneva in 2023.

The Summit provides an excellent opportunity to reinforce existing relationships and forge new collaborative ties to combat transnational organized crime

WPS: What is the importance of organizing the World Police Summit, which brings together experts and specialists in law enforcement from various countries and international organizations? Would you urge other law enforcement agencies to attend it?

Siu Chak Yee: In building partnerships, the Summit plays an important role in fostering cooperation between global police leaders.  It provides an excellent opportunity to reinforce existing relationships and forge new collaborative ties to combat transnational organized crime.  By gathering under one roof, police leaders can align strategies, share intelligence, and cement the bonds of trust essential for coordinated operations against sophisticated criminal networks exploiting borders. Such gatherings are crucial for enabling the knowledge exchange and collaboration needed to stay agile as crime evolves and becomes more complex. 

WPS: The Summit discusses ways to combat transnational organized crime, which requires strong cooperation and intelligence exchange between countries. What role does the Summit play in cementing the cooperation between global police leaders?

Siu Chak Yee: In exploring reciprocal exchanges and training opportunities, the Summit allows forces to benchmark their practices against global standards, identifying and bridging capability gaps.  Once partnerships are in place, avenues for reciprocal training initiatives, staff exchanges, and technology sharing open up, providing fertile ground for the exchange of best practices and the enrichment of mutual understanding.  The Summit also provides an ideal avenue to initiate bilateral meetings and even sign MOUs on cooperative ventures.

WPS: How would you summarize the role of the World Police Summit in addressing the challenges faced by law enforcement agencies in the 21st century?

Siu Chak Yee: The World Police Summit exemplifies a synthesis of strategic dialogue and technological display.  It provides an unparalleled platform for networking and partnership-building stage, as well as opportunities for exchanges, training, and skill enhancement. As we tackle 21st-century policing challenges, events like the Summit are not only beneficial but essential for the continued evolution and success of law enforcement globally.

Once partnerships are in place, avenues for reciprocal training initiatives, staff exchanges, and technology sharing open up