Press Release

Correctional officers stop remand person in custody from committing suicide by hanging

     Correctional officers yesterday (April 27) stopped a male remand person in custody from committing suicide by hanging at Lai Chi Kok Reception Centre.

     On April 23, the 38-year-old person in custody was remanded at Lai Chi Kok Reception Centre for the offence of possession of dangerous drugs. As the person in custody had a history of drug abuse and was suspected to have swallowed a quantity of suspected dangerous drugs before admission, which were visible after undergoing X-ray body scanning, he was separated in the centre hospital for close monitoring.

     At 7.07pm yesterday, he was found trying to hang himself from the window frame inside his cell using his pyjamas. Officers at scene immediately released him and called for reinforcements. The person in custody was conscious at the time. After preliminary examination and treatment by the medical officer, he was subsequently referred to a public hospital for further treatment and observation. A clinical psychologist of the department 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."

Ends/Thursday, April 28, 2016
Issued at HKT 11:36