‘IPCC won’t investigate warrant card case’

The chairwoman of the Independent Police Complaints Council, Priscilla Wong, said her council will not look into a case, in which a suspected police officer allegedly showed his warrant card to an online shop owner as he pressed the vendor about a delivery.

The shop owner revealed the incident on social media last week, posting screenshots of his conversation with the customer.

One screenshot showed the customer sending a photo of what appears to be a police warrant card, with a message saying “deliver (the goods) today or I will dig you out. Watch where you go”.

The police earlier said they’re probing the case.

At an IPCC press briefing on Monday, Wong said her council will only investigate the incident if the Complaints Against Police Office (CAPO) receive a complaint.

“We deal with cases very seriously. When there is not a case, we cannot pass judgment, we do not decide and we do not jump to any conclusion. That is out of fairness. That is out of responsibility,” she said.

“If there is a complaint that would be made, CAPO will first of all investigate and deal with that. We are the second tier, and we will certainly fulfill our duties and take our duties very seriously,” she added.

Separately, the IPCC head said her position at the police watchdog wouldn’t conflict with any potential leadership role at a university.

Her comments follow media reports that she is set to replace Arthur Li as head of the University of Hong Kong’s governing council.

Wong, who is currently a member of that council, did not directly confirm her appointment, but stressed she is willing to serve Hong Kong.

“Everything we do is independent, fair and just. I serve the university with heart and aim to do my best. There is no contradiction at all,” she said.

“As to whether it will take a lot of effort or time, well I think everyone in Hong Kong is very busy. If this is a big problem, I won’t take the job. I have held public posts for many years. If I think I can do it and I can contribute, I will try my best because Hong Kong is our home.”