The hum of rotors is becoming a familiar sound in the skies above Shenzhen, a city in Guangdong province known for its technological innovations. But these aren't just recreational drones; they're the newest recruits in Shenzhen's public security force, transforming how police monitor, respond to and prevent accidents in the city.

"A total of eight specialized drone units, each with a unique role such as patrolling, monitoring traffic flow and locating drug trafficking have been established," Song Zhuoyuan, a spokesperson from Shenzhen Municipal Public Security Bureau told China Daily, adding that the adoption of unmanned aerial vehicles in policing represents a significant step forward in modern law enforcement.

In fact, as a global hub for drone manufacturing and research, Shenzhen's public security sector had leveraged the city's technological prowess to create a sophisticated, multifaceted policing system that integrates drones into their work.

Early in the fall semester, parents of some students at Qiaoxiang School in Futian district noticed a drone patrolling the school and its surrounding area during busy dropoff and pick-up times. Police officers, usually two, work at the school gate to operate the drone and use it to broadcast safety reminders via loudspeaker to pedestrians and drivers breaking traffic rules.

"Unlike fixed CCTV cameras, drones offer flexible, mobile surveillance, eliminating blind spots and improving visibility in complex situations," said Pang Wenhui, deputy chief of UAV office of Shenzhen bureau's special police detachment. "High-definition video feeds allow for real-time decision-making in a command center. For example, a drone could quickly identify illegally parked cars near a school, and thus enable a swift police response."

According to Pang, the enhanced school safety initiative using drones is now active in 11 Shenzhen districts.

Beyond daily life, police in Nanshan district in June utilized a drone to create a detailed map of a gambling den hidden within a complex construction site. The aerial mapping proved crucial in planning the raid, leading to the arrest of 16 suspects.

"Drones offer a significant advantage in such situations, providing a safe and efficient way to survey difficult-to-access locations and gather crucial evidence before a raid. In this case, the drone provided valuable visual evidence of the gambling operation, including its layout and the presence of suspects, which could be used as supporting evidence in the subsequent investigation and prosecution," said Song from the public security bureau.

However, the integration of drones into policing also raises questions. Concerns about privacy and potential misuse of surveillance technology are valid and require careful consideration.

Shenzhen authorities have emphasized the importance of transparency and adherence to strict operational guidelines to mitigate these risks.

"While challenges persist regarding the safe operation of drones and the prevalence of unauthorized drone activity, or "black flying", we are implementing a multi-pronged strategy to address these concerns, which include investments in infrastructure, the development of a counter-drone system and a public awareness campaign encompassing education and enforcement," said Wang Lei, deputy director of the guidance office of the Shenzhen public security bureau's management detachment. "We are also engaging with the private sector to foster safe and efficient drone operations."

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