Police officers use batons for defense and to maintain a safe distance from protesters, and have clear instructions on the use of force including batons.
Speaking at a press conference, Police Public Relations Branch Chief Superintendent Steve Hui said officers’ priority is self-protection when being charged. Swinging a baton can disperse protesters and also maintain distance.
The Police arrested four men, aged 25 to 37, for assault, disorder in a public place and possessing offensive weapon sduring a midnight conflict in Mong Kok.
Mr Hui said one man kept a 45cm long serrated foldable knife and a 18cm sickle in his rucksack when charging the police, adding that this is extremely dangerous in a crowded area.
He also said a 23-year-old was arrested in Tin Shui Wai yesterday. In an online forum, he had incited people to join the unlawful assembly in Mong Kok, to paralyse railways and block traffic in West Kowloon.
Mr Hui also said some officers’ personal information was posted online and they were subjected to harassment. He stressed that personal data is protected by law and offenders might face legal consequences.
