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Hong Kong police will use drones for patrols if regulations allow, collecting images for artificial intelligence analysis to improve effectiveness, the city’s security minister has revealed.

Security Minister Chris Tang Ping-keung said on Wednesday the military would consider introducing drone patrols on fixed routes if the city’s rules on such gadgets flying out of sight of pilots were relaxed.

“During the development of drone technology, various departments will exercise strict control and supervision while enforcing relevant legislation to ensure that the operation of the drone is safe and complies with the Personal Data (Privacy) Regulation to protect the privacy of the public,” Tang said in the Legislative Council.

He added that the force was also considering hovering drones at specific locations to illuminate the area and broadcast reminders to the public against possible crime.

In July, police used drones to broadcast messages in Cantonese, English and Bahasa Indonesia in Sheung Sze Wan in Sai Kung, as well as in hillside residential areas in Clear Water Bay. The messages asked the public to remain vigilant and report suspicious activity in bushland and forests nearby.

Addressing lawmakers’ concerns, the security chief unveiled the proposed plan while outlining the use of drones among the city’s six disciplined services.

Currently, police use drones in remote locations and at busy large-scale events to collect evidence, track down suspicious people hiding in difficult terrain and monitor crowds and traffic flows.