logo
Hong Kong police could deploy facial recognition technology in CCTV system by end of year

Hong Kong police could deploy facial recognition technology in CCTV system by end of year

Hong Kong police will incorporate facial recognition technology into their surveillance cameras as early as the end of this year, enabling officers to identify suspects and missing people in real time, the force has revealed.
Senior Superintendent Eric Leung Ming-leung said that from the end of July, the force would also expand its 'SmartView' surveillance camera installation programme to mobile cameras installed on 60 patrol cars that would be able to identify vehicles and licence plates.
'We will see if it's possible to use facial recognition in our SmartView systems by the end of this year,' Leung, of the force's operations wing, revealed.
Police launched the SmartView project in April last year after conducting a pilot scheme to install 15 sets of cameras in Mong Kok in March. As of Wednesday, the force had installed 3,162 cameras across the city.
Leung said the force aimed to install no fewer than 2,000 sets of surveillance cameras each year from 2025 to 2027. These roughly 6,000 sets, containing more than 15,000 individual cameras, would be installed across Hong Kong by the end of 2027.
He said police would install the cameras on road signs and traffic lights, and also erect pillars for more sets this year.
Orange background

Try Our AI Features

Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:

Comments

No comments yet...

Related Articles

Hong Kong police could deploy facial recognition technology in CCTV system by end of year
Hong Kong police could deploy facial recognition technology in CCTV system by end of year

South China Morning Post

time3 days ago

  • South China Morning Post

Hong Kong police could deploy facial recognition technology in CCTV system by end of year

Hong Kong police will incorporate facial recognition technology into their surveillance cameras as early as the end of this year, enabling officers to identify suspects and missing people in real time, the force has revealed. Senior Superintendent Eric Leung Ming-leung said that from the end of July, the force would also expand its 'SmartView' surveillance camera installation programme to mobile cameras installed on 60 patrol cars that would be able to identify vehicles and licence plates. 'We will see if it's possible to use facial recognition in our SmartView systems by the end of this year,' Leung, of the force's operations wing, revealed. Police launched the SmartView project in April last year after conducting a pilot scheme to install 15 sets of cameras in Mong Kok in March. As of Wednesday, the force had installed 3,162 cameras across the city. Leung said the force aimed to install no fewer than 2,000 sets of surveillance cameras each year from 2025 to 2027. These roughly 6,000 sets, containing more than 15,000 individual cameras, would be installed across Hong Kong by the end of 2027. He said police would install the cameras on road signs and traffic lights, and also erect pillars for more sets this year.

Police eye year-end facial recognition use in CCTVs
Police eye year-end facial recognition use in CCTVs

RTHK

time3 days ago

  • RTHK

Police eye year-end facial recognition use in CCTVs

Police eye year-end facial recognition use in CCTVs Senior superintendent Eric Leung (centre) says facial recognition can be activated once the force's backend system is ready. Photo: RTHK Police have revealed plans to adopt facial recognition in their citywide surveillance network by the end of this year, with officers looking for "strategic locations" to deploy the technology to investigate crimes. Eric Leung, a senior superintendent from the force's operations wing, said many new security cameras were already equipped with facial recognition functions. "We are identifying what the strategic locations we need to install [the cameras at]... When our backend is ready, then facial recognition can be activated," he said. "If there is a suspect or if there is a high-risk missing person, you have his or her identity or facial features, you can input that data into a system, and ask the system if any camera captures that person, to alert the investigation officers." The force has been setting up surveillance cameras across Hong Kong since last year under an initiative called "SmartView". Apart from stationary vantage points, the devices were also installed on about 60 police vehicles as of July. Discussions were also under way for the force to gain access to video surveillance feeds from the Transport Department, the Housing Department, and the Leisure and Cultural Services Department, as well as the MTR Corporation. Police said they would begin incorporating surveillance footage from other government departments and organisations in the coming months, with hopes of completing the process in "two to three years". "Our system, with other systems, may have different specifications. We may need some upgrades or install some equipment…so that both systems can be integrated," Leung noted. The next step, according to the senior superintendent, is to study the feasibility of incorporating surveillance feeds of public places captured by private properties such as malls, industrial buildings and commercial towers. He was confident the scheme would receive support and cooperation from the private sector.

CCTV cameras effective in stopping crime: Joe Chow
CCTV cameras effective in stopping crime: Joe Chow

RTHK

time7 days ago

  • RTHK

CCTV cameras effective in stopping crime: Joe Chow

CCTV cameras effective in stopping crime: Joe Chow Joe Chow said the surveillance cameras have effectively reduced the number of crimes. Commissioner of Police Joe Chow says surveillance cameras have effectively prevented street crime in the city. In an interview with Sing Tao Daily, Chow said the police launched the 'SmartView' programme in April last year to install surveillance cameras in busy public areas. So far, police officers have solved 351 cases based on the camera footage, which is an inspiring result, he said. Chow also said the number of street crimes including car theft, pickpocketing, robbery, wounding and arson has fallen by up to 42.5 percent since the cameras were installed. According to the force's plan, 2,000 CCTV cameras will be installed this year. Chow said the force will install another 2,000 cameras next year, adding that he aims to connect the police CCTV system with those at government departments and the MTR by 2026 or 2027. The police also hope to introduce facial recognition and artificial intelligence in the CCTV system in the future, he said. In addition to CCTV cameras, the police are also deploying drones to enhance efficiency, Chow said.

DOWNLOAD THE APP

Get Started Now: Download the App

Ready to dive into a world of global content with local flavor? Download Daily8 app today from your preferred app store and start exploring.
app-storeplay-store