Press Release

CSD issues clarification statement

     In response to South China Morning Post (SCMP)'s report today (May 10) on a transgender person currently detained in Correctional Services Department (CSD) facility, the department made the following clarification:

     Under normal circumstances, CSD identifies the gender of persons in custody (PICs) according to their identification documents. Treatment including accommodation and searching will be arranged in accordance with the identified gender of PICs. If a PIC requests for special arrangements other than the general treatment, it will be considered by the penal management according to individual merits and expertise of Medical Officer, Clinical Psychologist or Psychiatrist as appropriate.

     In general, transgendered PICs will be accommodated in the Vulnerable Prisoner Unit (VPU) of Siu Lam Psychiatric Centre to protect them from being disturbed by other PICs. The above was replied to SCMP on May 8, the same day of receiving the enquiry.

     CSD provides a secure, safe, humane, decent and healthy environment for PICs, and both day and night accommodations are provided with toilet facilities.

     Medical Officers from Department of Health and correctional staff with nursing qualifications provide basic medical care to PICs round the clock. PICs will be referred to visiting specialists or public hospitals for decision of further treatment including hormone treatment.

     For prevention of drug smuggling, separation arrangements will be considered for newly admitted or drug-prone PICs and they will be returned to normal association generally after a few days of sanitisation.

     Regarding the allegations of maltreatment as mentioned in the news report, CSD takes it very seriously and will refer it to the Complaints Investigation Unit of the Department for investigation.

Ends/Sunday, May 10, 2015
Issued at HKT 16:44