Hong Kong police to launch international academy, reveal details of new degree

The Hong Kong police have announced plans to establish the Hong Kong International Academy of Policing, an academy aimed at offering specialized courses for foreign officers. The academy will launch on November 11 and will operate from the same premises as the Police College, located in Wong Chuk Hang. Five officers will be assigned to manage the academy's programs.

The academy's curriculum will encompass around 20 courses, ranging from tactical leadership to counterterrorism and explosive ordnance handling. Additionally, the academy will host an international policing leadership forum.

In a parallel development, the Police College will commence providing bachelor's degrees in security and criminal investigation to selected junior officers. The first cohort of students will commence classes in March, with the anticipated graduation date set for 2029. These students will be carefully selected at the conclusion of this year and will need to complete supplementary language courses, a practical placement at designated police units, and a final project under the guidance of senior officers who hold degrees from Tsinghua University or the University of Cambridge.

The degree program has already been granted Level 5 accreditation by the Education Bureau, placing it at a similar level to a bachelor's degree from a university in Hong Kong. Currently, 40% of newly recruited constables do not possess a bachelor's degree. By enhancing the personal qualities of officers, the program is anticipated to improve service quality and provide career advancement opportunities.

The Police College will offer 80 slots for junior officers with secondary education qualifications and 40 for those with a higher diploma or associate degree, targeting those who have completed basic police training since 2022 or later.