Press Release

Correctional officers stop remand person in custody from self-harm

     Correctional officers stopped a male remand person in custody from attempting self-harm by drinking cleaning solvent at Pik Uk Correctional Institution today (May 7).

     At about 3.05pm, while the 18-year-old remand person in custody was performing cleaning duties in a dining hall, suddenly, he was found drinking a small quantity of diluted cleaning solvent. The officer immediately stopped him and sent him to the centre hospital for preliminary treatment. After consultation by a medical officer at the centre hospital, the remand person in custody was transferred to a public hospital for further examination and treatment.

     The case will be followed up by the clinical psychologist of the department.

     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, improvement of institution facilities, staff training and first aid services."

     The remand person in custody was remanded for the offence of trafficking in a dangerous drug.

Ends/Thursday, May 7, 2015
Issued at HKT 22:10