The International Exhibition on Police Equipment and Anti-Terrorism Technology and Equipment has just been held in Beijing. The majority of the attendees consisted of law enforcement officers, retailers of police equipment, and students from various universities who were studying security and law enforcement-related subjects from all over the country.
This exhibition revealed how China’s law enforcement agencies are using advanced technology to fulfil their mission priorities, such as surveilling corrupt officials using artificial intelligence and restricting civilian drones in certain areas. One notable technology showcased at the fair was surveillance cameras specifically designed for anti-graft agencies. These cameras seem to utilise artificial intelligence to monitor individuals under disciplinary detention, especially officials suspected of corruption.
In China, individuals in the state sector or on a public payroll, including officials, scholars, and teachers, can be held in disciplinary detention without access to a lawyer for up to six months under the country’s supervision law. This also applies to those suspected of offering bribes.
The Central Commission for Discipline Inspection (CCDI) in China reported that around 26,000 disciplinary detentions were ordered last year. Suppliers claim their cameras can be used for “residential surveillance at a designated location,” a type of detention used in national security cases. These facilities are designed to prevent suicides due to the stress of such detentions.
Beijing Tongfang Shenhuo United Technology claims that their camera monitoring system is capable of detecting a detainee’s vital signs, including heart rate, respiration, temperature, and blood pressure. The system can also analyse more than 20 facial expressions to assess the individual’s mood. According to the company’s brochure, the system can automatically provide early warnings of sudden illness and suicide risk.
The equipment is described as “covert and unknown to the monitored person” in the brochure. It also states that the company is capable of designing an entire disciplinary detention facility with surveillance devices wired in each room to “save manpower.” The company’s products also include polygraphs and portable devices to monitor the physical condition of detainees.
According to the brochure, the company’s clients include prisons, procuratorates, forensic institutions, the military, and “secret government departments.” In China, manufacturers of police and military equipment must meet strict production standards. Annual fairs are their main opportunity to showcase technology to potential customers, including law enforcement, military, and forensic agencies.
At this year’s exhibition, organised by a semi-official association of defence industry companies, a major theme was the technology to detect, disrupt, and ground civilian drones. This technology has become a recent security priority for mainland authorities. In January, a drone control law went into effect, banning the use of drones for taking photos or videos of military or defence industrial installations or secret facilities. The law also allows authorities to intervene and capture or destroy drones that violate the law.
Local governments sometimes place temporary flight restrictions during large events or politically sensitive activities. At the fair this year, other popular products included a system to help police track crypto trading, equipment to detect suspicious objects, and rapid drug-testing kits. According to reports from several consulting organisations, the market for police equipment and security facilities in China is experiencing rapid expansion.
The People’s Police
The People’s Police is the primary civilian law enforcement agency of the People’s Republic of China. In addition to their traditional law enforcement duties, the police in China also play a crucial role in maintaining social stability, often serving a political function as well. It’s important to note that the majority of national police forces in China fall under the jurisdiction of the Ministry of Public Security. Over time, the authority of the police has extended to include border control, highlighting the evolving nature of their responsibilities and the growing scope of their influence.
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