Correctional Services Department 2021 Annual Review

Most of the correctional institutions have been in operation for decades. To keep pace with the times, the Department has been working closely with the Architectural Services Department and the Electrical and Mechanical Services Department to implement practicable measures to upgrade the facilities of correctional institutions gradually, having regard to the design and security concerns of individual institutions.

With a view to speeding up emergency support, strengthening institutional security and enhancing management efficiency, the Department has obtained funding approval from the Legislative Council for the progressive installation of the Electric Locks Security Systems to replace old gates using manually-operated mechanical locks with electric grille gates at most of the passageways, cells and relevant facilities of maximum security institutions (including Stanley Prison, Pik Uk Correctional Institution, Shek Pik Prison, Siu Lam Psychiatric Centre and Tai Lam Centre for Women (non-redevelopment areas)). As of end of 2021, the works project at Tai Lam Centre for Women (non-redevelopment areas) was smoothly completed, while the works projects at Stanley Prison and Shek Pik Prison were still in progress and those at the 2 remaining institutions were about to commence.

Besides, the CSD has been installing digital closed-circuit television (CCTV) systems at correctional institutions, and is studying the feasibility of incorporating the body temperature detection function into the CCTV systems to ensure a safe custodial environment and help monitor the health condition of persons in custody. The relevant projects, upon completion, are expected to further enhance the security level and reduce the risk of virus transmission within correctional institutions.

Within the year of 2021, the CSD adopted a number of measures to improve the custodial environment during the year, including improving the air ventilation at correctional institutions. On top of the regular replacement of electric fans, horn fans with greater power and cell safety fans with a suicide prevention design were added and new grille gates and windows allowing better air flow were also progressively installed in correctional institutions, with a view to improving air ventilation.

Apart from upgrading correctional facilities and streamlining the workflow through the application of new technologies, the CSD has been drawing up indicators for major tasks and compiling statistical data regularly to facilitate the review of the management of correctional institutions and the evaluation of the effectiveness of rehabilitation programmes. In addition, the Department is planning to set up a comprehensive data platform to collect and consolidate data from different information systems for analysis and study by the management. Moreover, the CSD has been proactively participating in the Government Data Open Plan. Since 2019, the Department has already published 30 items of statistical data concerning correctional work.

The Public Relations Unit (PRU) disseminates to members of the public news and information about the Department through various means, which include issuing press releases and photos to the media; handling media enquiries; holding press conferences; arranging media interviews, media events and press visits, etc. Besides, the PRU updates the departmental promotional videos from time to time, compiles the Department’s Annual Review and publishes the departmental monthly newsletter, The Guardian, to enable the public to understand the work and the latest development of the Department.

Established in 2018, the Media Communication Unit (MCU) produced a large number of short videos using novel shooting methods and innovative story outlines to enhance the general public’s understanding of correctional work and to promote rehabilitative messages and positive values to young people and the community. These videos won a total of 26 awards in various major international competitions in 2020 and 2021. The Department has also released a wide range of posts and information on various subjects on its official Facebook page so as to share the work of and the relevant information about the Department with members of the public, especially young people.

To cater for its future development and operational needs, the CSD commenced the construction project of the CSD Headquarters Building at Shing Tai Road, Chai Wan in the first quarter of 2021 for completion in the fourth quarter of 2024 tentatively. The CSD plans to bring together its main offices and facilities currently located at different districts to the Headquarters Building so as to enhance its co-ordination capability and operational efficiency, which is conducive to the long-term development of the Department.