Parents are queuing behind the face recognition machines at the entrance of Langqing Primary School. [File photo/Zhongshan Daily]

The "Smart Security in Schools" project is one of the "Zhongshan Top 10 Livelihood Projects" this year. It is reported that a total of 21 target schools located in the urban area, Torch Development Zone and Wuguishan District will put the facial recognition machines into use by December 10 this year. At that time, parents will be able to pick up their children by "swiping" their faces. The project is expected to benefit nearly 30,000 students in the city. 

On October 15, deputies to the Municipal People's Congress investigated Zhongshan's public security work and got a better understanding of the smart security in schools project and the anti-triad operation.

The investigation team visited Langqing Primary School in East District, one of the pilot units of the "Smart Security in Schools" project. Instead of the traditional card reader, the school installs a batch of facial recognition machines with cameras and digital screens. According to the Zhongshan Public Security Bureau, the new system will also utilize dynamic face detection, facial snapshots, and comparison for examination by personnel at the entrance and exit of school gates and at surrounding activities. 

The investigation team then visited the Zhongshan Police-Enterprise Joint Innovation Center to get a better understanding of the construction of "smart public security". At the symposium, officials from the public security bureau briefed deputies on their work in combating gangs and other criminals. The management of road parking was also discussed.