In recent years, terrorist activities and situations have kept changing, posing grave challenges to global security, including Hong Kong, and some people involved in black-clad violence and serious crimes have also been detained in correctional institutions. In view of the circumstances, the CSD’s Counter-Terrorism Unit (CTU) has been working closely with all member departments of the Inter-departmental Counter Terrorism Unit (ICTU) to deal with issues relating to counter-terrorism (CT). The CTU is committed to minimising the potential risk of terrorism and eliminating the breeding or spread of any terrorist activities in correctional facilities through enhancing the intelligence network and security system.
Since its establishment, the CTU has taken an active role in arranging for correctional officers to participate in CT-related training courses in a bid to enhance their awareness and alertness on CT-related matters so as to ensure a safe and secure custodial environment in institutions. In view of the social situations, the CTU has introduced to the relevant training new topics, including the handling of suspicious objects and explosives.
To enable correctional officers to respond to possible terrorist attacks in the course of duty, the Department and the Hong Kong Police Force (HKPF) organised a series of joint CT exercises in 2021 to test the capabilities of various units and frontline officers in dealing with emergencies, as well as enhance the communication, co-ordination and response capabilities of the 2 departments.
From August to October, the Regional Response Team (RRT) conducted a series of joint CT exercises with the Counter Terrorism Response Unit and the Emergency Unit of the HKPF. The exercises were designed to simulate emergency scenarios which may occur during the escort of terrorists, including malicious obstruction of the escort team by suspicious persons, organised attacks by terrorists, and attempted prison breaks. Officers participating in the exercises needed to make different arrangements with regard to the actual situations, and work closely with their counterparts from other departments during the process so as to make swift deployment and flexible response.
In addition, the CSD and the HKPF conducted an exercise at Lai Chi Kok Reception Centre and its vicinity on 29 October, simulating a variety of scenarios such as the discovery of suspicious objects in the Visitors Registration Room outside the institution, members of the public feeling unwell, distribution of leaflets promoting violence on the street, and attacks attempted by suspicious persons, so as to test and enhance the co-ordination and response capabilities of various sections and operations units under different departments in dealing with crises.
Furthermore, the CTU conducted a large-scale inter-departmental CT exercise jointly with other disciplinary forces at the Hong Kong West Kowloon Station in November. The exercise not only effectively raised the CT awareness of the public, but also enhanced the capabilities of all member departments of the ICTU in coordinating intelligence and making responses in major incidents.
The CTU proactively arranges for correctional officers to attend CT-related training courses.
Correctional officers participate in a large-scale CT exercise organised by the ICTU.
Correctional officers and their counterparts from other member departments of the ICTU disseminate CT messages to the public through a media interview.
Members of the RRT participate in an inter-departmental CT exercise which simulates emergency scenarios that may occur during an escort operation.
The CSD and the HKPF conduct an exercise outside Lai Chi Kok Reception Centre.
The then Commissioner of Correctional Services, Mr Woo Ying-ming (third left), and the Commissioner of Police, Mr Siu Chak-yee (second left), visit the scene and supervise the exercise in person.
In order to strengthen community education on counter-terrorism and tie in with the “whole-of-community” approach in counter-terrorism, CTU officers worked in close collaboration with other law enforcement agencies by participating in the organisation of an inter-departmental public education event, namely CT@Community Activity Day, at the Fire and Ambulance Services Academy in August 2021, which aimed to convey CT knowledge to the public through various activities.
CTU officers participate in the organisation of CT@Community Activity Day, an inter-departmental public education event.