Security chief: More precise victim age detail unnecessary

The current mode of age announcement in the police’s crime information release is suitable and more precise segmentation in “unnecessary,” Secretary for Security Wong Sio Chak has commented.

During a recent press briefing to announce crime figures and data from 2023, the Security official was asked to explain why police forces had become unwilling to give clearer reference to the age groups of stakeholders in crimes or incidents.

Until now, when announcing crime or related data, the police also announced the age of the victim – or at least provided an age range – regardless of whether or not they were deceased.

Now, however, the police decided to widen the age range, using broad categories like youth, middle-aged and old aged.

The same mode of age announcement was used when the information about the demise of two co-residing elderly residents was disclosed earlier this month. The police only said the two residents were middle-aged and senior-aged.

At the press briefing, Wong was questioned about the matter, and he said that young-aged equates to below 30 years, middle-aged includes those aged 31 to 60 years, and senior includes those aged above 60 years.

“This is actually very clear and easy to remember,” Wong said.

He said the police have no incentive to follow the World Health Organisation’s (WHO) categorizations. Although he did not find more precise categorization problematic, he didn’t find it “necessary” either.

Another reason behind the vague categorization is demands from the families of the deceased.

“They have written letters to and called the police to express their objections [against clear age announcements],” Wong disclosed. “We understand these demands which focused on preventing secondary damages.”

He said news of deaths or suicide will be announced, but will not be as detailed as before. Information such as personal particulars, such as surnames, will not be announced.

“There are many rare surnames. Once they’re announced, connections can easily be made,” Wong said.