HK police watchdog finds ‘shortcomings’

Bloomberg

An investigation by Hong Kong’s police watchdog into the conduct of the city’s officers throughout recent unrest has revealed “many shortcomings,” the Hong Kong Economic Journal reported.
The 300-page report from the Independent Police Complaints Council (IPCC) found a failure to separate peaceful demonstrators from violent protesters, the newspaper reported. The probe also determined there was a lack of communication among front-line police commanders during protests and insufficient “ceasefire” guidelines when using tear gas, the paper said.
The report, which hasn’t yet been officially released, is scheduled to be discussed at a meeting of the IPCC this week. If approved, it would be submitted to Hong Kong Chief Executive Carrie Lam for possible release in the coming weeks.
An IPCC spokeswoman said on Monday the agency declined to comment. The Hong Kong Police Force didn’t immediately respond to requests for comment, although the police have consistently defended their actions as a response to recurring violence from protesters, some hurling petrol bombs and attacking officers.
Lam’s administration has declined to meet protester demands for an independent commission of inquiry into police conduct during the protests.