Secretary for Security Tang Ping-keung explained today that the disciplined and auxiliary services utilise drones of different sizes, and related systems, to enhance operational efficiency and make better use of manpower resources.

Mr Tang was outlining the scope of tasks performed by the departments’ unmanned aircraft in response to questions raised by lawmaker Chan Yuet-ming.

To assist in investigations and evidence collection, he said the Police Force, the Customs & Excise Department and the Immigration Department all use drones with high-resolution cameras to capture video at crime scenes, especially in rural areas and at sea, where access is relatively difficult.

He added that in May the force launched a Pilot Scheme for Operational Deployment of Drones, which involves using drones to perform patrols in the Border District and Kowloon West Region.

In the Border District, the force deploys an automated drone docking system that leverages smart planning of flight paths to enable automatic patrol operations. Meanwhile, in Kowloon West Region, patrol coverage is expanded through flexible deployment of drones for high-altitude patrols.

Mr Tang highlighted that since the pilot scheme was launched, drones have helped Police in four separate cases, leading to three people being arrested.

The force will look at ways to enhance the pilot scheme and have scheduled its expansion to Cheung Chau Division and the Central District in the fourth quarter of this year.

On the use of drones for monitoring crowds and traffic flows at large‑scale events, the security chief said potential safety hazards are promptly identified through real-time images recorded by the drones. Moreover, using a drone system capable of hovering at designated locations for extended periods of time allows the force to send safety reminders to members of the public.

When it comes to searching for missing people, the Police Force, the Fire Services Department and the Civil Aid Service all use drones to surmount harsh conditions and quickly reach difficult locations such as cliffs and mountains. Throughout the rescue process, drones can also conduct surveillance to ensure site safety.

Moreover, drones can take high-definition photographs of debris that can be used in the production of three-dimensional models, thereby facilitating the planning of rescue operations by ground rescue personnel.

Mr Tang elaborated that in firefighting, drones equipped with thermal imaging cameras are used by the Fire Services Department to monitor temperature changes at fire scenes from multiple angles in the air. Based on such data, incident commanders can work out firefighting strategies and devise entry and evacuation routes to enhance operational efficiency and ensure the safety of rescue workers.

Furthermore, to strengthen the security of prisons and detention facilities, drone technology is employed by the Correctional Services Department and the Immigration Department to assist in facility inspections – for example, examining deterioration in boundary fencing and checking roof-tops for anomalous objects – and to help with emergency response actions.

The security chief stressed that in applying drone technology, the disciplined and auxiliary services exercise stringent control and supervision to ensure their operations comply with the Personal Data (Privacy) Ordinance.

The departments also strictly follow the Guidance on CCTV Surveillance & Use of Drones, issued by the Office of the Privacy Commissioner for Personal Data, to avoid unnecessary proximity to the public and residential areas, he added.