Security chief on Huanggang port & stepping up SmartView network

Secretary for Security Chris Tang says during the first weekend after the opening of the redeveloped Huanggang Port, operations were generally smooth.

He adds that discussions on connecting shopping malls' CCTV systems to the police's SmartView initiative have entered the final stage, though not all feeds may be transmitted in real time.

The government targets to install about 60,000 surveillance cameras across Hong Kong by 2028. Speaking with TVB News, Secretary for Security Chris Tang says this tally will rise further.

Tang says the 60,000 figure does not include the 6,500 extra cameras to be installed in the Northern Metropolis. Currently, the police's SmartView system has been connected to CCTVs at public housing estates.

Discussions are ongoing over its connection with private shopping malls. It is understood that the next step is to study the possibility to link the system to public areas of private residential estates.

Tang says deliberations with mall management have reached the final stretch. He says some citizens tend to shy away from places with no surveillance cameras because it is more dangerous.

While crime hotspots require round-the-clock surveillance, other regular locations won't be monitored in real time. He mentioned that in the future, they will also study integrating police drones with the SmartView system.

As for the redeveloped Huanggang Port, which has opened for about a week, Tang said the clearance waiting times for passengers and vehicles are about 5 to 15 minutes.

As the port is next to the Lok Ma Chau Loop, will it reference the whitelist mechanism for the nearby Hong Kong-Shenzhen Innovation and Technology hub to fast-track clearance for frequent travellers?

Tang said such seamless clearance currently has some technical limitations. This as the system can only seamlessly screen 100,000 or 200,000 people. However, he believes with tech development over time, the capacity can increase significantly in future.