The Security Bureau said on Wednesday that more than 3,000 police officers have left the force in the past three years, and recruitment has fallen well short of target.

In a written reply to lawmaker Priscilla Leung's question, security chief Chris Tang said the reasons for departure between the 2019 to 2022 financial years include retirement, resignation and death.

He said the force had intended to recruit around 5,200 new officers during the period, but were only able to hire less than 2,300.

"[The force have] formulated detailed human resources and strategic plans to strengthen its efforts on recruitment, staff training and career development," Tang said, adding that one of the plans is to raise the retirement age to 60.

In doing so, the minister said it would allow the police to retain around 17,000 officers in the coming decade or so.