Press Release

Correctional officers stop remand person in custody committing self-harm

     Correctional Services officers stopped a male remand person in custody committing self-harm at Lai Chi Kok Reception Centre today (November 22).

     At 5.45pm, the 24-year-old person in custody was found burning a bed sheet in a cell. The officers at the scene immediately shouted to stop him, put out the fire and called for reinforcement.

     The reinforcement arrived and escorted the person in custody away from the scene to centre hospital for medical examination. The person in custody suddenly turned emotional while waiting for the medical examination. The officers warned him to stop but was in vain. OC foam was applied to subdue him.

     The person in custody sustained injuries to his face and did not need to be transferred to a public hospital after receiving treatment from the institution medical officer. A clinical psychologist will follow up on the case. Moreover, the case has been reported to the Police for investigation.

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

Ends/Wednesday, November 22, 2017
Issued at HKT 23:34