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Hong Kong police consider unleashing robot dogs for law enforcement

Other initiatives include the use of drones and linking surveillance camera systems with other government departments

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Commissioner of Police Joe Chow said that the force is studying the use of robots and robot dogs to reduce manpower. Photo: Reuters

Hong Kong police will consider introducing robot dogs and linking surveillance camera systems with other government departments to assist in law enforcement.

Commissioner of Police Joe Chow Yat-ming, who assumed the top job on April 2, said on Sunday that the force would actively study the use of robots and robot dogs to reduce manpower.

“We are researching whether robots can be used to catch thieves, perform other types of work or go out on patrol together, this is the direction we are heading in,” he said.

“In the short term, a pilot scheme will be launched to use drones for some high-altitude patrols, or in some rural areas, potentially border areas which are further away.”

A pilot scheme will be launched to use drones for high-altitude patrols. Photo: May Tse
A pilot scheme will be launched to use drones for high-altitude patrols. Photo: May Tse

He added that the force was in discussion with mainland Chinese authorities to explore how robot dogs could be deployed.

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