The period under review has been a busy year for the Correctional Services Department (CSD). It is a year that has seen significant developments as we continue in our effort to build a safe and more inclusive society for all in Hong Kong. In particular, the Voting by Imprisoned Persons Ordinance came into effect in October 2009, establishing a clear legal framework for prisoners to register as electors, becoming “electors in custody”, and then vote in public elections.

The ordinance is the result of a High Court ruling in December 2008 that restrictions on the right of prisoners to vote were unconstitutional. Following a public consultation exercise, the Voting by Imprisoned Persons Bill was introduced to the Legislative Council in May 2009 and subsequently enacted in October. In consultation with concerned bureaux and departments, CSD has already put in place necessary arrangements in our institutions for the purpose of implementing the new law. Special arrangements were also made to facilitate voting by remanded persons in the District Council by-elections held in March, June and September 2009.

We have also taken positive actions in response to several other newly enacted ordinances which have implications on prison management. For example, in accordance with the Race Discrimination Ordinance, the CSD has introduced appropriate measures to ensure that prisoners receive no disparity in treatment and no discrimination on grounds of race and nationality. The “Information Booklet for Adult Prisoners and Remands” has been translated into some 20 languages for this purpose and, with the help of the Equal Opportunities Commission, training courses on the ordinance were organised for our staff. While correctional institutions are exempted from the limitations on smoking under the Smoking (Public Health) Ordinance, the CSD has initiated smoking-control measures in line with the ordinance, including the banning of smoking in all indoor areas except for designated smoking areas. In line with the Disability Discrimination Ordinance, improvements have been made in our facilities and service for prisoners with disabilities.

This year has also seen progress on CSD's continuing work in alleviating overcrowding in specific institutions, upgrading ageing facilities and providing better facilities for inmates' rehabilitation. The relocation of Lai Chi Rehabilitation Centre at Tai Tam Gap in May has relieved the overcrowding in male rehabilitation centre. This marks the latest stage in a series of redevelopments that have optimised the use of penal facilities for young offenders. The next milestone will be the completion of the new Lo Wu Correctional Institution in 2010, which will provide significant relief to our overcrowded female institutions.

We have also made great strides in our efforts to aid and promote offender rehabilitation. In February, the former Correctional Services Industries (CSI) was re-organised into the Industries & Vocational Training (I&VT) Section, starting a new era of services. The I&VT Section, now part of the Rehabilitation Division, provides gainful industrial work to prisoners as well as developing and supervising vocational training. The aim is to provide prisoners with a diversified set of skills that will strengthen their employability and self-reliance upon discharge.

In line with our policy of maintaining close contact and collaboration with other penal authorities in the region, a seminar on the rehabilitation of sex offenders was held in February 2009. The successful event, organised by the CSD and Caritas-Hong Kong, saw delegates from government departments and non-government organisations in Singapore, Malaysia, Beijing, Guangdong, Guizhou, Macau and Hong Kong exchange views on how best to enhance the rehabilitation and management of sex offenders.

We are committed to providing quality care and support to our dedicated staff members, and to the community at large. As such, we are glad that the recommendations of the grade structure review for disciplined services grades were implemented in December 2009. CSD is also proud to be awarded the “Caring Organisation Logo” in 2009 for the fourth year running. This award recognises the sterling effort made by CSD staff, both in our day-to-day duties and in our charitable activities and community service work, to serve and provide for those in need.

Throughout 2009, the hard work and determination of our staff have allowed us to face up to new challenges and achieve our operational goals. I have every confidence that this trend will continue in 2010, as we endeavour to improve our services to the community at large.