Police chief pledges cautious use of CCTV network
Police Commissioner Joe Chow on Sunday said the force’s surveillance camera system would not be abused. This came as facial recognition technology will be rolled out across its CCTV network on Monday under the police SmartView initiative. “All of our investigation tools have the requirement of check and balance, so that they won’t be abused,” Chow told a TVB programme. “We understand that many…
Police Commissioner Joe Chow affirmed on Sunday that Hong Kong's surveillance camera system would not be misused. This announcement coincided with the deployment of facial recognition technology across the city's CCTV network, set to begin on Monday as part of the police SmartView initiative. Chow stated during a TVB program that all investigative tools come with accountability measures, ensuring they won't be abused.
"We recognize that many people may have concerns about this matter," he acknowledged. "That's why it's customary practice for us."
Chow emphasized that the system would not be employed casually, adding, "I believe this is not what the public is expecting." He further clarified that the primary use of the system would be in criminal investigations and locating missing persons due to the urgency associated with these cases. He also highlighted that the existing CCTV system had contributed to solving robbery cases, potentially averting such crimes.
The police chief noted that the Interpol general assembly, scheduled to be hosted by Hong Kong from November 30 to December 3, would showcase the city's vibrancy. Chow had been preparing for the event for nearly three years, expressing confidence in its successful execution.
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