Colonial Private Policing: District Watch Force in Colonizer-indigenous Elite Relationship 

Abstract

Power of policing is the cornerstone of a state, commonly monopolized and sensitive in nature. But what makes a foreign government sharing this power with the indigenous majority, even in potential danger of the colonial regime? This thesis articulates the process of and underlying reasons why the colonial government of Hong Kong managed her relationship with the indigenous elites, via the District Watch Force (1866-1946)/ Committee (1891-1946). It will argue that the process of police power distribution was affected by: 1) the fragile relationship between colonial state and the Chinese elites, subject to the state’s constant re-evaluation of the elites’ loyalty and capability; 2) the legitimization strategy of the colonial government. This thesis will also demonstrate how both these factors were affected by the special colonial context of Hong Kong, survived on the edges of two empires, Britain and Mainland China. The two antagonistic forces from the West and the East clashed and met up in the small colony, in return, disturbed the balance policing power redistribution.

Date of Award	31 Dec 2021
Original language	English
Awarding Institution	City University of Hong Kong
Supervisor	Kin Man Ray YEP (Supervisor)