Cases of two generations serving in the Force are not uncommon, yet it is rare to see all four members of a family wearing the police uniform. Sergeant (Auxiliary) Chau Wing-hung, who works in the Government Clerical Grade, was inspired to join the Hong Kong Auxiliary Police Force (HKAPF) after years of working with police officers. Whether in his own civilian role or as an auxiliary police officer, he has remained dedicated to serving the community.

Looking back on his 31-year police career, the most unforgettable moment when Chau Wing-hung, while being attached to Tin Shui Wai Division, handled a case involving a woman in labour asking for help many years ago. He said, “The pregnant woman grabbed my arm tightly at that time, leaving bruises on my arm. But being able to calm her and witness the birth of a new life made every effort worthwhile.” Life in the HKAPF not only enabled him to appreciate the value of a new life but also brought him a lifelong companionship - he met his wife Cheung Yuen-yee, a fellow colleague in the HKAPF who shares this common mission. Ms Cheung currently works in the Government Logistics Department.

Cheung Yuen-yee’s bond with the Force began early in her childhood. “When I was about six or seven, I was separated from my mother in the market. The fear and helplessness still remain fresh in my mind”, she recalled vividly. “Fortunately a woman police officer comforted me at that time by saying ‘Dear child, no need to be afraid. Police sister is here.’ and helped to find my mother. Those words may sound trivial, but they gave the young me a profound sense of security.” It is exactly this feeling that motivated her to join the HKAPF in 1999 to continue her original aspiration of safeguarding others.

Currently attached to Yuen Long Division, Cheung Yuen-yee remains committed to professionalism. “It could be a person’s most difficult moment behind every case. Therefore, we must stay calm and professional no matter how big the pressure is”. This HKAPF couple have even integrated insights from work into family education. Cheung Yuen-yee shared, “After handling many juvenile cases, I am only too aware of the importance of proper values. Parenting adolescents are like sailing in the ocean. Only following the right direction can lead the sail to arrive at the destination safely”.

This act of setting example with words and deeds is as nurturing as breeze and rain in spring, which has profoundly influenced their two children, Chau Pui-yui and Chau Hui-chin. The siblings, both currently at university, joined the HKAPF. Elder brother Chau Pui-yui, a flute enthusiast, is a member of the HKAPF Band who exhibits his talents by performing at ceremonies; while his sister Chau Hui-chin, who is biliterate and trilingual and also French-speaking, applied to join on her 18th birthday and is currently attached to the tourist-flocking Tsim Sha Tsui Division, serving visitors from all over the world with her edge in language proficiency.

Being on duty in the streets of Hong Kong, the family of four that started from two shared hearts to four connected hearts now all shared the belief “Serving Hong Kong with Honour, Duty and Loyalty”. The siblings frankly said, “What really inspired us to join the Force was not notable cases or dramas, but their parents’ steadfast daily dedication to serving Hong Kong.” The siblings sensed their parents’ silent commitment to service, which is the best example set for them. They said, “We wish to follow our parents’ footsteps as the greatest tribute to them and our commitment to this uniform”.

Recruitment for the Hong Kong Auxiliary Police Force (HKAPF) is year round. Colleagues are welcomed to encourage family and friends to join, no matter they have full-time or part-time jobs, are self-employed or have no regular employment, including local university or tertiary institution students. Applicants who pass the selection interview and related assessments will undergo basic paid training, and become Police Constables (Auxiliary) upon graduation. Scan the QR code now to learn more about the entry requirements.