Police double down on recruitment as applications jump
Police received nearly 12,000 job applications in the 2023/24 financial year, representing a 46 percent jump from the previous 12 months, while 975 of those candidates went on to be appointed as officers. Officers in charge of recruitment attributed the upward trend to their aggressive campaign to attract talent, including recurrent roadshows at local and mainland universities. In a first for a government agency, the force now accepts applications through smartphones and tablets, sparing job seekers the need to sit down in front of a desktop computer. Called "HKPF Recruit", the app can be downloaded on Apple and Huawei devices, as well as those running the Android operating system. Users can also check the progress of their application, receive reminders for job interviews, reschedule appointments and sign up for upcoming training workshops. Superintendent Walter Chan said the idea is to increase transparency for the lengthy process. He revealed more than 700 candidates are now going through the selection process, and explained why they should make use of the app. "They can find out how far they have progressed. If they know they have passed a few hurdles, I hope it gives them the motivation and confidence to carry on," Chan said. In a bid to fill around 6,000 vacancies, recruitment procedures will be streamlined from next Monday. Candidates who stand out in the group interview may be invited to a final interview on the same day. They will then attend the physical fitness and the psychometric tests later.  Chief Inspector Abby Chow said with the tweak, the four steps will be condensed to just three weeks, down from 45 days in the past. But Chan insisted they are not merely looking to boost application numbers. "The candidates must be of high calibre and suitable to serve the public. We are not simply trying to fill the headcount," he said. He added the Police College in Wong Chuk Hang can admit a maximum of 1,590 cadets every year, while there were already 5,898 applications between April and August.