Information on Operating Small Unmanned Aircraft in the Vicinity of Correctional Institutions

For the management of prisons, the Correctional Services Department applies small unmanned aircraft to assist in the inspection of security facilities as well as supporting emergency operations.

All vicinity of correctional institutions is designated as restricted flying zones under the Small Unmanned Aircraft Order (Cap. 448G). Any flight of small unmanned aircraft operated within restricted flying zone without permission is an offence under Section 18 “Permission required for flights within restricted flying zone” of the aforementioned Order. Offender is liable on conviction to a fine at level 6 and to imprisonment for 2 years.

Besides, any person who in any manner introduces or conveys any unauthorized article into any correctional institution commits an offence. He may be guilty of Section 18 “Introduction of unauthorized articles into prison” of Prisons Ordinance (Cap. 234) and shall be liable on conviction to a fine at level 1 and to imprisonment for 3 years.