Auditors urge PolyU to relax security measures

This follows community concerns about PolyU's open campus policy.

The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) has been urged to reassess its stringent campus security policies and consider easing measures where appropriate, according to a report by the Audit Commission.

The report, released in September, highlights ongoing concerns about access control policies implemented following the campus restoration and security enhancement work completed in June 2022. These measures, which cost $129.6m were part of broader efforts to restore the university after damages incurred during the 2019 unrest.

Since September 2024, access to the campus has been restricted to students, staff, and authorised individuals, with identity verification required at turnstiles located at major entry points. Whilst areas designated as public spaces under the university’s land lease agreements remain accessible to the public, they are subject to enhanced access controls, demarcation, and security checkpoints.

The Audit Commission noted that PolyU had pledged to "monitor the situation and adjust the access control and security measures, including mitigation of the measures when the situation justifies." The commission echoed this sentiment, urging the university to "keep under review the latest situation and adjust the security measures as appropriate."

The recommendation follows community concerns regarding PolyU's "open campus policy."