The Hong Kong Police Force (HKPF), also known as the Hong Kong Police (HKP), is the largest disciplined service under the Security Bureau of Hong Kong. It is the world's second, and Asia's first, police agency to operate with a modern policing system. It was formed on 1 May 1844, with a strength of 32 officers. It was granted the 'Royal' prefix in 1969 and become the "Royal Hong Kong Police Force". Following the transfer of sovereignty in 1997, the Force was renamed to Hong Kong Police Force.