Press Release

Correctional officers stop person in custody from hanging attempt

     Correctional officers stopped a male person in custody who attempted to hang himself in Lai Chi Kok Reception Centre yesterday (February 23).

     At about 11.52pm, an on-duty officer found the 34-year-old person in custody attempting to hang himself by tying a loop made with bed sheet onto the grill gate inside his cell. The officer immediately stopped him and called for reinforcements.

     Upon arrival, the reinforcement staff immediately unlocked the cell and sent him to the centre hospital for medical examination and observation. He was conscious at the time and had sustained no injury. A clinical psychologist will follow up the case.

     A spokesman for the Correctional Services Department said, "The department uses all possible measures to prevent people in its custody from attempting suicide or self-harm. These measures include administrative arrangements, the improvement of institution facilities, staff training and first aid services."

     The person in custody was convicted for an offence of trafficking in  dangerous drugs.

Ends/Monday, February 24, 2014
Issued at HKT 18:36

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