The Hong Kong Police Force intends to augment the quantity of closed-circuit television (CCTV) cameras throughout the city to a total of 2,000 by the conclusion of the year. Furthermore, they are examining the potential integration of an additional 2,500 cameras on an annual basis over the forthcoming years. Police Commissioner Joe Chow Yat-Ming stated today (the 13th) that the CCTV network may become increasingly pervasive, with residents likely to encounter a CCTV camera at “every few steps” in the future.

During an appearance on the TVB program ” On the Record,” Joe Chow Yat-Ming disclosed, “After the installation of 615 sets last year, there were 122 incidents reported by the end of the year. By the conclusion of March, there were already 226 incidents, indicating an almost twofold increase, which underscores their effectiveness.” He further stated that with regard to the target number of CCTV cameras, “the more, the better.” When inquired whether citizens might observe a CCTV camera aiding law enforcement every few steps, Joe Chow Yat-Ming replied, “That is also a possibility.”

It was mentioned that law enforcement agencies are examining the incorporation of artificial intelligence technologies, including facial recognition capabilities, into closed-circuit television (CCTV) systems. Furthermore, there are plans to install cameras on smart lamp posts while also integrating the camera systems of various government departments to improve the efficiency of law enforcement operations. Joe Chow Yat-Ming articulated, “I hope that in the future, we can reduce manpower.”

He further indicated that the authorities are investigating the utilisation of robots, robotic canines, and drones to aid in law enforcement efforts. He emphasized that the police have established guidelines to safeguard privacy, thereby assuring citizens that there is no cause for concern. He also noted that the deployment of police drones is considerable, referencing the example of employing drones to oversee crowd sizes from an aerial perspective during fireworks displays, with the intention of minimising manpower requirements in the future.

As of the conclusion of the previous month, a cumulative total of 322 individuals have been apprehended over the past five years in relation to national security cases. It was stated, “The National Security Ordinance and the Hong Kong National Security Law have ensured a secure environment within society, impacting only a minimal number of individuals. Moving forward, we will persist in enhancing our outreach efforts and augmenting public awareness regarding national security.”

Joe Chow Yat-Ming conveyed during the program “On the Record” that 615 CCTV cameras were installed in the previous year, with an additional 1,385 cameras projected for this year, resulting in a cumulative total of approximately 2,000 by the year’s end. In the subsequent years, there is a potential for a maximum annual addition of 2,500 cameras, which may extend into areas that are not identified as crime hotspots. When inquired about the ultimate target number, he responded, “The more, the better,” yet refrained from specifying a definitive upper limit. He also remarked that by the conclusion of the previous year, the system had contributed to the resolution of 122 cases, and by March of the current year, this total had risen to 226 cases, thus indicating a significant level of effectiveness.

Additionally, he mentioned that they are studying the inclusion of CCTV systems in smart lamp posts and the integration of camera systems from other government departments to directly support police enforcement to achieve crime prevention and detection. Regarding whether citizens would see a CCTV camera assisting law enforcement every few steps in the future, Joe Chow stated, “That is also a possibility.”

Mr. Joe Chow Yat-Ming indicated that they are exploring the potential of employing robots and robotic dogs to assist in fieldwork. He also emphasised the notable application of police drones, citing instances where drones may be used to monitor crowd sizes during fireworks displays, expressing the aspiration to mitigate manpower requirements in the future.