In alignment with the Force’s Strategic Direction - Digital Policing, Key Points and Search Division (KPS) of Major Events Bureau of the Operations Wing launched the Pilot Scheme for Operational Deployment of Drones on May 23.

The three-month pilot scheme is to be implemented at two locations, namely, Border District (BORDIST) and Kowloon West (KW). BORDIST will utilise the automated drone docking system to patrol border paths so as to enhance the flexibility in deploying police resources, while KW will conduct high-altitude patrols in downtown through manual drone operations to enhance crime prevention, crime fighting and operational efficiency. The Force has updated the guidelines and manuals on drone deployment in accordance with the requirements set by the Office of the Privacy Commissioner for Personal Data, and has equipped police drones with safety equipment such as parachute devices in order to further upgrade flight safety rating.

To enable the public to understand the scheme, KPS held a press conference on May 19 to outline the details of the scheme, followed by two large-scale briefings for Force members on May 21 to explain the details of the scheme, policies on the use of drones and the relevant regulations.

On May 23, Director of Operations Lui Kam-ho officiated at the launching ceremony at the Headquarters Command and Control Centre and remotely controlled the first automated drone mission at Heung Yuen Wai Operational Base, which marked a new milestone in the Force’s drone applications.

KPS held a press conference on May 19 to outline the details of the scheme.

Director of Operations Lui Kam-ho (right) officiates at the launching ceremony at the Hadquarters Command and Control Centre.

The Force management attends the launching ceremony.

An officer explaining drone facility at the launching ceremony.

Superintendent Ko Chung-ying (right) and Chief Inspector Law Hoi-ming of KPS explain the details of the scheme to officers.

KPS held a large-scale briefing on May 21.