Press Release

Secretary for Security inspects passing-out parade at CSD Staff Training Institute

     The Secretary for Security, Mr Lai Tung-kwok, today (April 28) inspected the passing-out parade for 34 Officers and 135 Assistant Officers II at the Correctional Services Department (CSD) Staff Training Institute.

     Speaking at the ceremony, Mr Lai said Correctional officers, as the gatekeepers of the last element of the criminal justice system, play a vital role in protecting public safety and preventing crime in Hong Kong.

     Mr Lai said that this year marks the 20th anniversary of the establishment of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region. Over the years, Hong Kong has become one of the safest cities in the world. It really relies on professional disciplined services staff who discharge their duties with devotion.

     He said this year also marks the 35th anniversary of renaming the Prisons Department as the CSD. The renaming, which was conducted 35 years ago, signifies the change of CSD's mission from merely performing a custodial role to placing dual emphasis on both safe custody and rehabilitation with a more active role to assume in the society.

     Mr Lai said in respect of "Custody", a decent and orderly custodial environment is the cornerstone of management and rehabilitation of persons in custody (PICs). Facing the increasing security risks on daily operation of correctional institutions, CSD set up "Regional Response Teams" (RRTs) last year to perform the duties of escorting high security risk PICs and rendering prompt reinforcement in the event of emergencies in different institutions. Members of RRTs have to undergo professional training and these training courses have been recognised as meeting the accreditation standards at Level 4 and Level 3 under the Qualifications Framework (i.e. Higher Diploma and Diploma equivalent respectively) by the Hong Kong Council for Accreditation of Academic and Vocational Qualifications. This is another illustration of the advancement of correctional officers' professionalism.

     He said regarding "Rehabilitation", CSD's Rehabilitation Division proactively promotes rehabilitation programmes for PICs and community education activities. It reflects that CSD and its staff reach out to the community from correctional institutions and adopt an "upper course" approach to promote crime prevention. For example, the Rehabilitation Pioneer Project is launched to disseminate to secondary students and youngsters the messages of leading a law-abiding and drug-free life as well as supporting offender rehabilitation; and the programme entitled "The Reflective Path" enables young people to experience the life of PICs in correctional institutions so as to enhance their understanding of Hong Kong's criminal justice system and correctional services, thereby encouraging them to reflect on the heavy price paid for committing crimes.

     Mr Lai said after years of assiduous efforts by all colleagues of CSD, remarkable achievements have been made on correctional services and rehabilitation work. Hong Kong's recidivism rate has decreased from 36.5 per cent ten years ago to the latest 25.9 per cent. The CSD has contributed greatly to the maintenance of law and order as well as public security in Hong Kong.

     He said, "Correctional work is usually carried out away from the stage and the limelight, but it is challenging and of significant importance to the community. Those who undertake such work must demonstrate great ambition, strong commitment and a drive to excel professionally. The positive image of CSD established in the community over the years does not come by easily. No matter what sort of difficulties and challenges you are to face after you take up your post, I hope you will remember your ambition and aspirations today, perform your duties conscientiously, and tackle every mission you are tasked with professionally."

     Thirty-four Officers and 135 Assistant Officers II completed stringent training programmes lasting 26 weeks and 23 weeks respectively. Two Officers were awarded the Principal's Shield and five Assistant Officers II were awarded the Golden Whistle for outstanding performance.

     Three passing-out officers met the media after the parade. They included Miss Lam Nga-yee, who was previously Assistant Officer II and has become an Officer through open application. She hoped to work hard to implement the department's mission: helping Hong Kong to be one of the safest cities in the world.

     Assistant Officer II Mr Chow Kwong-wing, once a rowing athlete who represented Hong Kong in the Olympic Games said he would use his perseverant spirit as an athlete to encourage persons in custody to face challenges. Assistant Officer II Mr Chan Man-chung, who was an enthusiastic volunteer helping the disadvantaged before he joined the CSD, hoped to help persons in custody turn over a new leaf and reintegrate into society.

Ends/Friday, April 28, 2017
Issued at HKT 21:27

The Secretary for Security, Mr Lai Tung-kwok (centre), inspects a contingent of correctional officers during the Correctional Services Department passing-out parade at its Staff Training Institute in Stanley today (April 28).

The Secretary for Security, Mr Lai Tung-kwok (left), presents a Best Recruit Award, the Principal's Shield, to Officer Mr Chan Yu-hin at the Correctional Services Department passing-out parade at its Staff Training Institute in Stanley today (April 28).

The Secretary for Security, Mr Lai Tung-kwok (left), presents a Best Recruit Award, the Principal's Shield, to Officer Miss Lam Nga-yee at the Correctional Services Department passing-out parade at its Staff Training Institute in Stanley today (April 28).

The Secretary for Security, Mr Lai Tung-kwok (left), presents a Best Recruit Award, the Golden Whistle, to Assistant Officer II Mr Sham Ka-wan at the Correctional Services Department (CSD) passing-out parade at its Staff Training Institute in Stanley today (April 28).

The Secretary for Security, Mr Lai Tung-kwok (left), presents a Best Recruit Award, the Golden Whistle, to Assistant Officer II Mr Chan Man-chung at the Correctional Services Department passing-out parade at its Staff Training Institute in Stanley today (April 28).

The Secretary for Security, Mr Lai Tung-kwok (left), presents a Best Recruit Award, the Golden Whistle, to Assistant Officer II Mr Cheung Ka-yiu at the Correctional Services Department passing-out parade at its Staff Training Institute in Stanley today (April 28).

The Secretary for Security, Mr Lai Tung-kwok (left), presents a Best Recruit Award, the Golden Whistle, to Assistant Officer II Miss Leung Wing-sze at the Correctional Services Department passing-out parade at its Staff Training Institute in Stanley today (April 28).

The Secretary for Security, Mr Lai Tung-kwok (left), presents a Best Recruit Award, the Golden Whistle, to Assistant Officer II Mr Cheung Kwai-yip at the Correctional Services Department passing-out parade at its Staff Training Institute in Stanley today (April 28).