Press Release

Person in custody commits self-harm at Lo Wu Correctional Institution

     Correctional officers at Lo Wu Correctional Institution found a person in custody with a wound on her wrist and suspected her of causing self-harm early this morning (March 24).

     At about 2.44am, the on-duty officer discovered that the 36-year-old female person in custody was awake and acting peculiarly inside the dormitory. Upon enquiry, the officer found a wound on her left wrist and suspected that the person in custody had cut herself earlier with a plastic ruler. The officer gave her counselling while summoning reinforcements at the same time.

     Upon arrival of the reinforcements, she was sent to the centre's hospital for medical examination and treatment. She was subsequently transferred to a public hospital for further observation. 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 the offence of trafficking in a dangerous drug.

Ends/Monday, March 24, 2014
Issued at HKT 17:41

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