Two police associations may soon raise funds internally for policemen whose families are in need of financial support owing to the ongoing street occupation by protesters.
Commissioner of Police Tsang Wai-hung on Thursday approved the fund-raising plans of the Junior Police Officers Association (JPOA) and Hong Kong Police Inspectors’ Association (HKPIA), Singtao Daily reported Friday.
Details of the fund-raising campaign will be discussed today and will be unveiled on Monday at the latest, according to HKPIA vice chairman Ben Tsang.
JPOA chairman Joe Chan said two bank accounts have been opened to accept internal and public donations separately, but whether the two associations are allowed to raise funds from the public still needs a decision by the Civil Service Bureau.
In fact, police squads have raised funds through social networking websites for their colleagues before getting official approval. According to police rules, donations by policemen cannot exceed 3 percent of their monthly pay.
An unnamed source said part of the funds raised could go to the seven policemen who had been suspended for beating a protester last week.
There is concern in the police force that the seven might get an unfair trial. A supposedly confidential notice regarding their suspension was leaked, showing that the seven, including one chief inspector, one senior inspector, one sergeant and four police constables, have been suspended since October 16.
Meanwhile, Ryoden Development Charitable Trust recently donated HK$1 million (US$128,913) to the Police Education and Welfare Trust, Ming Pao Daily reported.
A Ryoden Development spokesman said the move is to show its appreciation for the police who have been under great pressure in dealing with protesters. Efforts by the police cannot be demolished by the acts of a small group of people in society, the spokesman said.