Police are set to extend their “SmartView” surveillance camera initiative into the MTR and public housing estates this year, building on an existing system of over 4,500 cameras across the city.
Launched in April 2024, the program has already contributed to solving more than 480 cases and resulted in over 840 arrests, according to authorities.
During the Super Typhoon Ragasa, the system was used to monitor flooding hotspots, low-lying areas, and public transport interchanges in real time, facilitating the clearing of obstructed roads after the storm.
After installing cameras on police vehicles as mobile CCTV units in July, the police announced further plans to expand the CCTV network, including the addition of the first camera on a traffic light before the end of the year.
It is added that plans are underway to gradually integrate CCTV to other government departments and public organizations, including locations such as Kai Tak Sports Park and the MTR, with over 5,000 such cameras already connected.
Authorities also indicated intentions to connect CCTV cameras from ten public housing estates under the Housing Department, three cross-harbour tunnels managed by the Transport Department, seven venues related to the National Games under the Leisure and Cultural Services Department, and four immigration control points.
Featuring a people-counting technology powered by AI technology, the network has been deemed “highly effective” for managing crowds during large-scale events, such as the recent National Day fireworks display.
However, Police Operations Wing Senior Superintendent Leung Ming-leung cautioned that the city's unique environment—such as harbour reflections during fireworks and local street lighting—can challenge the algorithm's accuracy.
