Hong Kong sea patrol officers to use body cameras to help in investigations

Sea patrol officers from Hong Kong’s Marine Department will start using body cameras from Tuesday to help them perform their duties more effectively.

Frontline officers of the harbour patrol section across all districts would be fully equipped with the devices to help in investigations, evidence collection and documenting maritime conditions during major events at sea for safety purposes, a department spokesman said on Monday.

Other government departments that have equipped frontline officers with body cameras include police, the Correctional Services Department and hawker control teams under the Food and Environmental Hygiene Department.

Between January and June, the Marine Department conducted a field trial in the waters around Victoria Harbour to assess the effectiveness of the cameras.

The evaluation showed that the use of body video devices significantly improved both the accuracy and quality of evidence collection, offering practical insights for future investigations, the department added.

To support the roll-out, guidelines have been drawn up. Officers are required to wear uniforms and mount the cameras in a clearly visible position while on duty.