Police want HK$500m to develop new image platform and communication system

The Security Bureau is seeking to obtain approval from the Legislative Council finance committee on granting about HK$500 million in funding for the police to develop a centralized digital image platform and a third generation personnel information communal system. 

The police recommend building the centralized digital image platform (CDIP) for storing, processing, retrieving, and sharing digital images with evidential or intelligence value, replacing the use of DVDs. 

The goal is to enhance cost-effectiveness and investigative efficiency in handling digital images, as well as improve information security, the police said. 

The police also said it is necessary to introduce the third generation personnel information communal system (PICS III) to continue supporting and maintaining existing functionalities of the second generation. 

Through the upgrade the force also wishes to incorporate new features to enhance information technology security, utilize analytical capabilities to grasp and predict human resource conditions, and optimize related operations and procedures for personnel and welfare services. 

The CDIP and PICS III are expected to cost taxpayers HK$359 million from 2024-25 to 2028-29 and HK$142 million from 2024-25 to 2027-28, respectively. 

The bureau recalled a panel meeting in April 2023 where the committee members welcomed the proposals and expressed their support for the force’s efforts to develop relevant systems. 

They also welcomed the use of parallel tendering to ensure that the tender prices would be considered in the funding applications, avoiding the need to increase approved commitment due to higher-than-expected tender prices, thereby causing project delays, the bureau added. 

It continued that the force has made satisfactory progress in the implementation of the two proposed projects and has conducted parallel tendering, providing a more accurate grasp of the bidding prices for the respective projects. 

“Moreover, the Force strictly adheres to the government’s procurement policies and procedures, which encompass considerations for safeguarding national security, as well as system and data security,” it also said.