By the second half of this year, the Hong Kong Police Force will begin deploying drone patrols over populated areas. Their ultimate aim is to prevent burglary in the first place. This new proposal would be a big step toward making public safety the default option in communities that have large populations of aging tenement buildings. It purposely focuses on districts in Kowloon, such as Yau Tsim Mong and Sham Shui Po.
The police have deployed drones to broadcast messages in Sheung Sze Wan since July of last year. Additionally, they’ve used this technology in the residential communities within Clear Water Bay. Whether flying or resting, these drones speak Cantonese, English, and Bahasa Indonesia, helping to educate and activate those that visit. To visually indicate their active mission status, the new drone patrols will be installed with flashing red and blue lights. They will further feature bright, reflective labels for easy identification.
This measured deployment of drones seeks to fill the gaps where vulnerabilities exist in aging buildings, mission critical or otherwise, especially those undergoing renovation. Shroud wrap scaffolding around these structures frequently presents cover for would-be thieves. A police source noted, “One of the purposes will be to tackle burglaries, targeting buildings covered with scaffolding.”
The Seattle police department hopes to have officers from specialty units build relationships with community members during these foot and bike patrols. “Officers can have discussions with the owners of the building. If we see people climbing the scaffolding, we can ask them if they have repair works going on,” stated the source. This proactive approach would help encourage community trust and cooperation, while deterring illegal and criminal activities.
Additionally, nearly 800 members of the disciplined services in the Hong Kong Police Force have undergone advanced drone operation training. That intensive training, taught by Civil Aviation Department instructors, is key to safe and effective aerial operation. This unique training ensures that they are prepared to confront even the most advanced drone technology.
The police department is now investigating how robots and robotic dogs can be incorporated in their operations to maximize manpower. Negotiations are already underway with mainland authorities over the possible use of robot dogs, which would allow cops to ramp up their policing powers even more.
During this time, the Hong Kong Police Force is drastically increasing its public security measures. It won’t just be cops patrolling city streets, though authorities will test drone surveillance in the northern New Territories’ border police district. This strategic move follows a notable operational model from Shenzhen, where the Public Security Bureau employed 1,667 drone pilots and conducted an average of 149 air patrols daily last year.
Hong Kong Police Commissioner Joe Chow Yat-ming sworn in on April 2. He’s supported this drone initiative as a modern approach to law enforcement. In December, Secretary for Security Chris Tang Ping-keung informed lawmakers that the police would utilize drones for patrols as regulations permit. He argued that drones are key to making the operational efficiencies required.
“Drones show that they are on a mission.” – Chris Tang Ping-keung
The messaging around the introduction of drone patrols demonstrates one of the biggest changes in policing tactics during these protests in Hong Kong. For good reason, police want to use technology to deter crime as effectively as possible. Beyond that, they want to improve communication and trust among communities. As this effort develops, it’s a promising direction to see law enforcement taking the lead in addressing the changing dynamics of 21st century cities.
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