A part-time Hong Kong auxiliary police officer has been arrested on suspicion of public indecency after reportedly masturbating while driving a taxi.
Police confirmed on Tuesday night that a 57-year-old male taxi driver arrested a day earlier for “acts outraging public decency” was an off-duty auxiliary police officer. He has been suspended following his arrest, the force said.
Police told HKFP on Wednesday that the officer belonged to the Aberdeen division.
Local media reported on Wednesday, citing anonymous sources, that the man exposed his private parts while driving and was caught masturbating by a 59-year-old female passenger. She later filed a police report.
A case brief from the police stated that the arrested man performed indecent acts in public while driving a taxi on Canal Road Flyover in Happy Valley.
The man, who was released on police bail, is required to report to the police in early October.
“The Hong Kong Police Force places great emphasis on the conduct of its personnel,” police said. “The force will not tolerate or condone any illegal acts committed by its officers and will handle all such cases seriously.”
According to the police website, the Hong Kong Auxiliary Police Force “comprises volunteers from all walks of life and has a proud history dating back to its establishment in 1914.”
Tasked with supporting the regular force, auxiliary officers wear the same uniform and carry the same equipment as regular officers, except that they have a letter “A” on their shoulder badges for identification.
