Hong Kong police stop-and-search: Unfair targetting?

"Based on my own personal experience, on occasion I have been singled out because of my skin colour. There seems to be a racial bias in policing," teacher and performer David Allen told HKFP.
Feature: bit.ly/2z2xbcW HKFP examines whether police are targeting specific groups in their stop-and-search actions, and what can be done.
Video: David Allen.
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[@usarmy3111]

Why are you being sarcastic? They just do a random check... You're not in the USA!

[@jaker3151]

So basically there was an incident with a black guy & a motorbike earlier that morning, and these police officers just wanted to check if this was the same guy because he is black and happens to have a motorbike too(?) So taking the earlier incident into account and considering there probably aren't many black males riding motorbikes around Hong Kong I think it was quite reasonable for the police to do this stop & check. What the police could of done better was maybe explain the situation earlier on in the conversation as to why he was being stopped, so the guy wouldn't think he was being unnecessarily targeted. Also Hong Kong police can always be more friendly when interacting with members of the public, to locals and foreigners. After all they are public servants and a bit of politeness can go a long way.

[@Fearbeast14]

They just want to make sure ur not the guy

[@Fearbeast14]

Hong Kong police they are very nice and friendly

[@munfordb]

What rubbish to suggest unfair targeting. HK is one of safest places in the world with good reason.

[@ahhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh123]

It's not cause of racist illegal stops, it's cause no one has guns, etc.

[@smart422]

Ben Munford the triad run Hong kong

[@curly5330]

@@ahhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh123 "So basically there was an incident with a black guy & a motorbike earlier that morning, and these police officers just wanted to check if this was the same guy because he is black and happens to have a motorbike too(?) So taking the earlier incident into account and considering there probably aren't many black males riding motorbikes around Hong Kong I think it was quite reasonable for the police to do this stop & check. What the police could of done better was maybe explain the situation earlier on in the conversation as to why he was being stopped, so the guy wouldn't think he was being unnecessarily targeted. Also Hong Kong police can always be more friendly when interacting with members of the public, to locals and foreigners. After all they are public servants and a bit of politeness can go a long way."

[@curly5330]

@@ahhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh123 also just so you know , ben munford sir is a former RHKP officer

[@shahonchen6661]

@@curly5330 He was a Chief Superintendent or higher up rank!

[@kennos]

why can't they suspect, stop or if they wish search you? you are no special or superior. don't like it do go to hk.

[@derekfoust4635]

David Allen, you were indignant or angry for the wrong reason. Your perception might be tainted from your previous experience elsewhere. You assumed racial bias as soon as the police officers want to check ID. Before discussing further, I am American, and I am also a visible minority. This is not LA, Chicago, Detroit or NYC, where they might do “Frisk and Search”, and people might claim racial discrimination and police brutality sometimes. Also, this is not London, Australia, or US, or Germany where racial bias might occur. From my observation, Hong Kong’s and China’s police are very calm, gentle, and does not use force arbitrarily. One time, a HK police officer even congratulated my dad after successfully parallel parked his car into a tight space without touching the cars in front or back. Unlike in LA, Chicago, Detroit, NYC where police brutality and racial bias occurs more often, there is practically no police brutality in HK. In fact, HK police and China’s police treat foreigners a lot better than locals. The officers shown in this video seems to be very calm, professional, and gentle. Just look at their kind faces. There’s not a sign of agitation, hatred or racism. HK police is not racist. HK police does not show unfair targeting. In Chicago or LA, people might worry about racial bias, being beat up or getting shot by the police. About checking IDs in HK or elsewhere in the world, this practice is not uncommon, and it’s part of community policing. There are good reasons for checking IDs. But there is too much to write in this discussion already.

[@yuenhai]

Just say I am not required by law to answer that question. If you feel aggrieved you may take it up to the complaints bureau The cops in the video weren't doing anything wrong, I don't understand why they were so easily put on the defensive just because the dude pointed a camera at them and questioned them aggressively

[@unlimitedgameplays-di9ch]

thats racisum idiot

[@timduncan5333]

Did you wanted a specific answer from them when you asked them why would they stop and ask you instead of everyone else? Did u want the answer "cause your black in a Chinese country" type of answer? If they stop you and ask for ID, just do it, there not gonna detain you if you didn't do anything wrong, however, they will detain you if you keep on asking them stupid questions.

[@calBoy1996]

Welcome to Hong Kong! according to the law of HK they (police) can stop anyone and ask for their ID. This is the way it is whether you like it or not.

[@peter123102]

calBoy1996 if you would spend more time in reading the law, HKPC are only allowed to exercise their stop and search power if they have “reasonable suspicion”

[@thomas1226]

@@peter123102 Fun fact, that is false. As a HK Police Officer myself, we don't need any suspicious or reasonable cause to stop and search a person. We can do it whenever we like to. However if you feel unsafe or uncomfortable, you may ask to proceed the process inside a Police Station where a Sergeant / Inspector is present in case of a complaint.

[@JamesDark]

Its basically a student ask the teacher why are you teaching me

[@justiceboy4799]

hk police very handsome

[@eddieabelardo7845]

In the old days, we stopped, searched people and cars with non problem. If the subject does not want to be search in the public we provide them the opportunity to be search inside the station.

[@masami248]

There is no reason to ID him if they didnt see any suspicious action of him!

[@NanatsukiBenio]

funny fact but Japanese Police as well may ask for an ID anyone they want and whenever they want. it's a law but that does not mean that you're suspect... and it's for EVERYONE.. foreigner or Japanese NO MATTERS

[@smart422]

@@NanatsukiBenio do u like it if cops ask u for id for no reason

[@NanatsukiBenio]

@@smart422 not that I like it but that's a law... and personally I've never been asked . Guess I don't look suspicious to them. P.s I live in Japan so cops here are very sane

[@NanatsukiBenio]

he was suspected in the bike theft as a Cop said ~

[@cody56011]

​@@smart422 I just cooperate and being friendly. They do their duty as police officer,I do mine as a good citizen. If u do no wrong, no reason to be defensive unless ure a snowflake

[@RedZ1900]

Dude I'm Chinese American. When I went to Hong Kong, they did the same thing. It's not because of skin colour.

[@timngim583]

Yesh but you get less attention, look at 1:00. (Not the police)

[@calvinleung1203]

you should ask yourself，not ask the policeman

[@wingheylee9631]

Just obey the police or get locked up

[@jingkyalejandro7736]

stop and check is Normal in hong kong . dont talk like a boss in front of hk police show some respect coz you're not in your country. i salute to these police for their being nice and patience.

[@cone6052]

You are totally wrong. Stop and check must have a reason.

[@freshmanyuan1120]

Well, why? That’s the law and rule in that city! It gives police the authority to make lawful inquiry about anyone’s identity in that city. They don’t need a reason. Don’t feel victimised. Simple as that. Don’t like it, report it, and move on

[@drbanana4993]

Hongkong police can randomly stop and search anybody and ask for I'd. Don't pull that sovereign citizen crap guys. Just cooperate and be on your way. You have nothing to be pissed off about.

[@QiluXie]

Do you understand what random means?

[@clarence_illust]

there's no reason for him to question tho, why do westerners have to feel so threatened

[@mikew7559]

Hey dude, the local police is to enforce Rule of Law, and keep their citizens safe. If you don't like it, please leave.

[@khanpak7607]

I got stop and check hk even my Chinese friend that’s normal and good bro common they do to every one that’s their job and I respect that

[@peterso7965]

Poor English ! Only power, power and power 😢😢😢😢

[@ayaanmk3929]

its hong kong law everyone have to follow the law if u r black white brown or any color u r

[@JM-tk5ne]

Yup

[@cody56011]

Dude you're in hk.not US. First amendment do not work here

[@freekuwait1000]

They just randomly select someone. It could be you, me or anyone. You are making a big fuss here. I see nothing wrong with them checking on you. If everyone behaves like you do, the police won’t be able to do anything ID checks.

[@smart422]

nyc cops dont randomly ask u for id. hk police r stupid

[@GhulamMustafa-w2u]

❤❤

[@eggeggeggegg3077]

She is so cute though awww

[@charlenehoryan5695]

Don’t mind me saying why can’t the Ang mo just do as the cop tell them to

[@WayneKo-rm3do]

Hong Kong police are racist towards people from outside hong kong I think.

[@CallMeAhSirHKP]

Nope, HKPF is very professional. They’re extremely friendly especially to residents and visitors and they’re happy to help you anytime.

[@timngim583]

1:00 you can see the real problem and the real racist. And no, its not the cops.

[@unlimitedgameplays-di9ch]

its everyone

[@MrTeddybeh]

suspect you are CIA

[@papabear3685]

Thug with badge

[@krastyclown6620]

was t hat bevor the communists interrupted the freedom in HK ?