Chinese Spy Tech Runs Rampant in UK Police Forces
UK police forces are riddled with Chinese-made surveillance cameras, a fresh government survey reveals. The Office of the Biometrics and Surveillance Camera Commissioner (OBSCC) found widespread use of equipment from manufacturers linked to security and ethical concerns.
Shocking Survey Stats Expose CCTV Connections
The 2022 survey, covering 43 police forces in England and Wales plus specialist agencies, uncovered chilling details:
- At least 18 forces use **external cameras** from brands like Dahua, Hikvision, Honeywell, Huawei, and Nuuo—companies flagged for serious security risks.
- At least 24 admitted to using **internal cameras** manufactured by the same questionable Chinese firms.
- At least 11 forces use **ANPR (automatic number plate recognition)** systems tied to these controversial suppliers.
- Two forces initially reported body-worn cameras by Hikvision, but further checks confirm **no forces actually use Hikvision bodycams**.
- Of 31 forces operating drone surveillance, 23 knew their machines came from DJI, the Chinese company at the centre of security debates.
Commissioner Sounds Alarm on Chinese Surveillance Threat
Fraser Sampson, Biometrics and Surveillance Camera Commissioner: “It is abundantly clear the UK police estate is shot through with Chinese surveillance cameras. Those forces deploying this kit are generally aware of the security and ethical concerns attached to these companies.”
“We hear about Chinese spy balloons 60,000 feet up, but what about the Chinese cameras just six feet above our heads in the streets? If police want public trust, they must show they use this tech lawfully, responsibly, and transparently.”
“Parliament has already acted to ban some Chinese equipment in sensitive areas. But we must seriously question whether public bodies should ever use devices from firms with such serious security doubts.”
Survey Response Rate Drops Amid Missing Big Names
The OBSCC asked chief officers of 47 policing bodies in June 2022 about their camera use. Despite an extended deadline, only 39 answered—a 91% response rate, down from previous surveys’ 100%. Notably, several major forces failed to respond, including:
- City of London Police
- Gloucestershire Police
- Greater Manchester Police
- Gwent Police
- Merseyside Police
- National Crime Agency (NCA)
- South Yorkshire Police
- Thames Valley Police
The report calls the missing responses “disappointing,” especially from some of the country’s largest forces, leaving questions about full transparency on UK police surveillance tech.
