Hong Kong’s Secretary for Security, Chris Tang Ping-keung, announced an ambitious plan to expand the city’s police CCTV network, adding between 5,000 to 7,000 cameras annually over the next two years. This expansion aims to integrate advanced technologies, including facial recognition, to bolster crime detection and enhance public safety.
Tang detailed the initiative during an interview with Sing Tao Daily, a sister publication of The Standard. He stated that the new cameras will be strategically installed in areas identified as crime hotspots. Additionally, existing surveillance systems from public housing estates and MTR stations will gradually be linked to the police network, further strengthening the city’s security framework.
The current police CCTV system has already proven effective, assisting in the resolution of over 300 criminal cases and resulting in nearly 600 arrests for serious crimes, including murder and robbery. Tang emphasized that the expansion is part of a broader strategy to improve investigative efficiency and public safety.
Turning to national security, Tang reported significant activity since the implementation of the national security law in November 2020. The National Security Department’s hotline has received nearly 920,000 messages concerning national security issues, leading to approximately 330 arrests, 189 prosecutions, and 165 convictions.
Tang issued a warning to fugitives evading justice under the Safeguarding National Security Ordinance, asserting that fleeing Hong Kong will not shield them from consequences. He cautioned that those who seek refuge may ultimately be abandoned by their supporters.
In a move aimed at clarifying responsibilities for public servants, Tang announced that national security guidelines for all civil servants will be released by the end of the month. These guidelines will be accessible and practical, outlining how employees—from cleaners to policy officials—should identify and report potential national security risks. For example, a cleaner who discovers pro-independence graffiti in a public restroom will be required to report it, while funding officers will need to reject applications from individuals suspected of violating national security laws.
Tang also addressed ongoing legal reforms, stating that the government is reviewing a recent Court of Final Appeal ruling that overturned convictions related to the now-defunct Hong Kong Alliance in Support of Patriotic Democratic Movements of China. He reaffirmed the government’s commitment to closing legal loopholes and enhancing enforcement mechanisms.
On the topic of counterterrorism, Tang assessed Hong Kong’s threat level as “moderate,” referencing past incidents of both organized and “lone-wolf” domestic terrorism. He disclosed that newly established task forces, including the Chief Executive’s Counter-Terrorism Steering Group and the Secretary for Security’s Counter-Terrorism Co-ordinating Group, have begun operations, although specifics remain confidential due to intelligence sensitivities.
Tang also touched on the concept of “soft resistance,” reiterating that while press freedom and free speech are legally protected, these rights are not absolute. He cited the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, emphasizing the media’s responsibility to uphold national security. He concluded that existing laws are sufficient to combat fake news, negating the need for additional legislation.
As Hong Kong navigates its complex security landscape, these developments signal a significant shift in policing and public safety strategies, reflecting the government’s broader commitment to national security in a rapidly changing environment.
