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What was the Central Police Station like before the Second World War?

From the map of the CPS grounds drawn in 1914, one can see the Parade Ground in front of the Barrack Block. Facing the Barrack Block are offices for the assistant superintendent and the chief inspector of police, and also a grass shed for Chinese police officers. These buildings were all demolished in 1919 to make way for the imposing Headquarter Block. In 1920, the Police Training School was set up inside the Headquarter Block. The Criminal Investigation Department (CID), formed in 1923, also operated from within the block.

What was the Central Police Station like after the Second World War?

On 15 December 1941, one of the bombs of the invading Japanese army detonated near the Parade Ground of the CPS, causing severe damaging to the ground floor and basement of the Headquarter Block. During the Japanese Occupation, the CPS was used as the headquarters of the Japanese occupation army. Later, it was bombarded by US bombers, during which the underground tunnels were mostly collapsed and nearby buildings were also affected. After the Japanese troops surrendered, the CPS was renovated and in 1946 re-commenced services as the police headquarters of the colonial government.

After the war, large numbers of mainland refugees flooded to Hong Kong. The influx was particularly severe after the founding of the People’s Republic of China in 1949. With the population boom crime rates soared and the Police Department set up stations and posts widely in the region. CPS at this time could no longer cope with the growing needs, and a new Headquarters Building was built and completed in 1954 at Arsenal Street in Wanchai. Since then, the CPS became the Island Headquarters and later the Central Police Station. Many locals, though, still called it the “Great Station” (Tai Kuen).

After the 1967 Leftist Riots, in recognition of the Hong Kong Police Force and the Axillary Police Force, Queen Elizabeth II bestowed on the force the “Royal” title, and the crest of the force became adorned with St Edward’s Crown. After the reunification of Hong Kong with China, the crown in police crest was replaced by the Bauhinia Flower.

In September 2004, the police officers stationed at the CPS gradually relocated to the Police Headquarters and other police stations. On 17 December in the same year, a “beating retreat” ceremony was conducted. After the lowering of the flag, the CPS was formally decommissioned after 140 years of service.










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