HK Police to launch Facial recognition on CCTV system Monday

Commissioner of Police Joe Chow announced that the "SmartView" CCTV system will activate its facial recognition function starting next Monday.

Chow stated the facial recognition function will be activated next Monday to track down suspects and assist in searching for missing persons.

"We will not disclose the exact capabilities of the system in order to prevent intentioned individuals from finding ways to evade it," Chow said.

"I can only say that regardless of the methods you use, if you commit a crime, we have the capability to arrest you.

I believe the use of facial recognition serves as protection for law-abiding citizens and surveillance for those attempting to commit crimes, and we hope they will think twice about the consequences."

To combat bid-rigging, the police, the Independent Commission Against Corruption, and the Competition Commission have formed a joint task force and set up a reporting hotline.

Chow noted that the hotline has received 100 calls so far, mostly inquiries or tip-offs, and the task force will continue to follow up.

In addition, the police have recently stepped up enforcement against cross-border illegal hire cars, with Chow reporting 12 people have been arrested over the past two weeks and operations will continue in the coming days.