It was my great delight to take up the office of Assistant Commissioner (Operations) in late 2007. I was deeply impressed by the professionalism of the Team in sustaining the smooth operation of institutions and strive to accomplish our mission with pride.

Most of our correctional facilities have been used for a long time, some over 40 years, not to mention that quite a number of them are not purpose-built. Indeed, a lot of our existing facilities are either outdated or in a state of dilapidation. With a view to providing high-quality custodial and rehabilitative services, we made every endeavour to prioritise our agenda in modernising facilities and to explore alternative development plans. These would also help alleviate the projected shortfall of penal places especially in reception centres and female institutions.

By the end of 2007, a couple of development projects were underway. The construction of an extension block at Lai Chi Kok Reception Centre, costing HK$13.8M  to provide 144 penal places, is expected to complete by mid 2008. As for the Lo Wu Correctional Institution redevelopment project, the three penal institutions combined in a cluster, will provide 1 400 penal places for the reception of inmates in early 2010.

To optimise the utilisation of accommodation capacities and operational resources as well as to address the need of providing more vocational training opportunities for inmates, Lai King Training Centre (LKTC) will be converted to an institution for female offenders.  Costing around $9.95M, the conversion works in LKTC commenced in mid-2007 and is anticipated to complete in mid-2008.

With the whole-hearted support and unfailing commitment of the Team, I strongly believe that it will not only boost the staff morale but generate synergy to elevate the quality of custodial services in the midst of rising challenges and a changing environment.

YAU Chi-chiu
Assistant Commissioner (Operations)

Male Prisoners

CSD provides different diets to cater for prisoners' dietary habits and religious need.

10 783 adult males were sentenced to imprisonment and 8 690 remanded in our custody.

Adult prisoners on long sentences, including life imprisonment, are accommodated in Stanley Prison and Shek Pik Prison.

Female Prisoners

CSD officers keep round-the-clock guard over penal institutions.

5 261 adult females were sentenced to imprisonment and 2 365 remanded in our custody.

Tai Lam Centre for Women accommodates adult female prisoners, a remand section and a small unit for prisoners of high security risk. Prisoners are assigned productive work schedules.

Chi Ma Wan Correctional Institution and Lai Chi Kok Correctional Institution house adult female prisoner of medium-security risk while Chi Sun Correctional Institution holds minimum-security prisoners.

Tai Tam Gap Correctional Institution accommodates young female prisoners and remands, also serving as a reception centre for young females awaiting pre-sentence assessment. A total of 375 young women under the age of 21 were sentenced to imprisonment and 370 remanded in our custody.

Capacity for female prisoners was still exceeded in 2007 with average daily penal population of 2 013 in the system. Several projects have been initiated or completed to solve this problem, especially the redevelopment project of Lo Wu Correctional Institution and the conversion of Lai Kai Training Centre to an institution for female offenders.

General Treatment in Prisons

CSD officers receive helicopter training.

After assessment by the Classification and Categorisation Board, prisoners undergo thorough medical examination and a short induction course, and receive instruction on rules and regulations, rights, privileges and welfare assistance.

Prisoners who feel aggrieved may lodge complaint to the Department's Complaints Investigation Unit, or to visiting Justices of the Peace and other external complaint handling channels. Such grievance –addressing channels are publicised in bilingual notices in a prominent and clear fashion.

Swapping of Lai King Training Centre and Tai Tam Gap Correctional Institution starts to enhance resource deployment.

Adult prisoners have to work as required by law. Industrial activities and crafts such as carpentry, metalwork and garment making are offered to keep them gainfully occupied. Rehabilitative activities include vocational training in a wide range of trades, recreation, physical training and education.

By the end of 2007, the Lai Sun Correctional Institution Vocational Training Centre had 158 prisoners receiving vocational training for better employment prospects.

Training Centres

A prisoner is put on disciplinary action under Prison Rule 61 for violation of prison discipline.

The Training Centres Ordinance stipulates six months to three years of training for all young offenders. Training is fully individualised and monitored to guarantee the best results possible. Release will be based on individual performance.

All inmates undergo introductory education and vocational training classes taught by experienced and qualified professionals. Classes present opportunities for future employment and skill betterment. Inmates may opt for full course training and accept the Department's help in securing employment after release.

Recreational activities such as ball games and athletics are conducted regularly by qualified instructors. Extra curricular programmes consist mainly of scouting activities. Others include hobby classes, music, arts, chess and reading.

In 2007, 149 male and nine female young offenders were admitted.

Detention Centre

Sha Tsui Detention Centre accommodates young male inmates and offers them a programme of social rehabilitation and self-respect building. 229 young offenders under the age of 21 and 37 young adults aged 21 to under 25 were admitted in 2007. Training periods are one to six months and  three to 12 months respectively. Training progress is constantly monitored.

Rehabilitation Centres

For young offenders 14 to 21 years of age, residential rehabilitation programme is offered at rehabilitation centres. It combines training at a correctional facility with half-way house living where inmates may work, attend school and engage in other activities towards rehabilitation. Discharged young offenders are subject to one year's statutory supervision. 264 male and 63 female young offenders were admitted in 2007.

Drug Addiction Treatment Centres

The Hei Ling Chau Addiction Treatment Centre accommodates male drug abusers, with adult female drug abusers separately accommodated at the facility's annex.

Treatment lasts from two to 12 months, with work and therapy combined to rid individuals of dependence, correct criminal behaviour and restore confidence and health, both physical and psychological.

Counselling offers means for inmates to cope with challenges, with a Relapse Prevention Programme preparing persons for release and a drug-free life. Supervision follows discharge for a period of 12 months as offenders reintegrate in society.

Medical and Health Services

In collaboration with the Department of Health, all institutions have on-premises hospitals or infirmaries staffed by qualified personnel. Hygiene and medical standards are the highest available and constantly monitored. Nutrition is closely observed, with prisoners receiving a diet approved by dietitian. Personal requirements due to medical or religious grounds are accommodated.

Prisoners at the Siu Lam Psychiatric Centre are cared for by Hospital Authority psychiatrists with a high degree of individual treatment and flexibility.

Dental treatment covers the provision of dentures, simple fillings and extractions, and available to inmates if required. Ante-natal and post-natal care is also provided while babies are delivered in public hospitals. Cases requiring medical intervention in public hospitals are directed to our custodial wards in Queen Mary and Queen Elizabeth hospitals. Facilities and staff serve and rehabilitate prisoners with disabilities. We continue to improve and adapt on this front, with accommodations constantly improving.

Escort and Support Group

The Group escorts remands and prisoners to attend courts, medical treatment or other official appointments, and provide tactical support to penal institutions in emergencies.

Correctional Services Dog Unit

18 staff members raise, train and handle canines in patrol and drug detection duties. There are four regional dog teams located on Hong Kong Island, New Territories, Hei Ling and Lantau.