Pepper balls and paintball guns: Hong Kong police test tear gas alternatives in wake of Mong Kok riot

Police have been testing crowd control alternatives to tear gas, with the focus on pepper fired paintball-style from guns, the Post has learned, in the wake of the Mong Kok riot.

Sources said tear gas was no longer considered the best option after it was used on protesters during the Occupy movement of 2014, as it generated widespread public resentment. It could also have a more toxic effect because of Hong Kong’s built-up neighbourhoods.

The force has also finalised the list of officers to be commended for their handling of the riot in February. Up to 300 of them, or a quarter of the manpower deployed in Mong Kok that night, will be honoured, including the traffic policeman who controversially fired two live rounds in the air when confronted by rioters.

The internal review committee looking into the clashes between police and protesters on the first night of the Lunar New Year recommended last week that the force purchase mid-range crowd control equipment, including pepper balls and guns, to ensure officers kept a safe distance from armed protesters in the event of future mob violence.

A source close to the matter told the Post that the Police Tactical Unit (PTU) was running a trial on the use of pepper balls.