Press Release

Correctional officers stop person in custody committing self-harm

     Correctional Officers stopped a person in custody committing self-harm at Lai Chi Kok Reception Centre yesterday (April 18).

     At 9.44pm last night, patrolling staff noticed that the 38-year-old male person in custody behaved abnormally with blood stain on his hands, leg and nose inside his cell. The officers suspected the person in custody was having self-harm behaviour earlier and therefore escorted him to the centre hospital for examination and treatment. But he turned emotional and put up strong resistance and even intended to hit his head against a wall. In order to prevent him from hurting himself and others, OC foam was applied after warnings to subdue him.

     The man who suffered minor injury on hands, leg and nose was transferred to a public hospital for further treatment after examination at the centre hospital. No correctional staff was injured in the incident. A clinical psychologist will follow up on 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 male person in custody was convicted for an offence of possession of dangerous drugs.

Ends/Saturday, April 19, 2014
Issued at HKT 19:00

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