Press Release

CE officiates at launching ceremony of "Smart Prison"

     The Chief Executive, Mrs Carrie Lam, accompanied by the Commissioner of Correctional Services, Mr Woo Ying-ming, officiated at the launching ceremony of the first-generation "Smart Prison" at Tai Tam Gap Correctional Institution (TGCI) of the Correctional Services Department (CSD) today (May 22).

     Speaking at the ceremony, Mrs Lam said that the CSD has kept abreast of the times. To build an integrated and sustainable correctional system, the department formulated a Strategic Plan in 2018 to promote the modernisation of correctional facilities through the development of the "Smart Prison" protocol. The CSD started renovation works at TGCI in 2019 to convert it into the first "Smart Prison" in Hong Kong.

     This year marks the 100th anniversary of the establishment of the CSD. Mrs Lam took the opportunity to express gratitude to correctional officers for their dedication over the years to uphold the rule of law and guard the last element of Hong Kong's criminal justice system.

     After the ceremony, Mrs Lam and other guests were briefed by Mr Woo on the application of various technologies in the daily management and security aspects of TGCI to enhance operational efficiency and promote humanised management.

     The "Smart Prison" comprises four major systems, namely the Security and Monitoring System, the Operation and Management System, the Persons in Custody Self-management System and the Staff Capacity Enhancement System. Over the past three years, the CSD, with the assistance of different stakeholders including the Electrical and Mechanical Services Department, the Architectural Services Department and the Office of the Government Chief Information Officer, has conducted more than 40 trial technology projects covering different areas in various correctional institutions. Positive results have been achieved in various fields such as the Video Analytic Monitoring Function, the Robotic Monitoring Function, the Movement and Location Monitoring Function and the Integrated Intelligent Communication System.

     In light of the test results of different trial technology projects, the department has integrated multiple systems to create a brand new management model for TGCI, having regard to its geographical environment and operational needs. The conversion project at TGCI has provided valuable experience and laid a good foundation for the long-term development of "Smart Prison" projects in future. The CSD will continue to actively explore and develop different technology projects, continuously adding smart elements to modernise facilities and adopting humanised management, with a view to improving the working environment of correctional officers and reducing the burdensome and labour-intensive daily work procedures of the staff so as to enhance the operational efficiency of correctional institutions, thereby providing a safer, more secure and harmonious custodial environment.

     Other guests at the launching ceremony included the Secretary for Security, Mr John Lee; the Director of Immigration, Mr Au Ka-wang; the Chairman of the Legislative Council Panel on Security, Mr Chan Hak-kan; the Government Chief Information Officer, Mr Victor Lam; the Director of Electrical and Mechanical Services, Mr Pang Yiu-hung; the Director of Architectural Services, Ms Winnie Ho; the Executive Director of the Hong Kong Productivity Council, Mr Mohamed Butt; and rehabilitation synergistic partners.

     TGCI was a minimum security institution before renovation. The institution will be used for the detention of non-refoulement claimants when it resumes operation.

The Chief Executive, Mrs Carrie Lam, officiated at the "Smart Prison" launching ceremony at Tai Tam Gap Correctional Institution of the Correctional Services Department today (May 22). Photo shows Mrs Lam delivering a speech at the ceremony.

The Chief Executive, Mrs Carrie Lam, officiated at the "Smart Prison" launching ceremony at Tai Tam Gap Correctional Institution of the Correctional Services Department today (May 22). Photo shows Mrs Lam (left), accompanied by the Commissioner of Correctional Services, Mr Woo Ying-ming (right), officiating at the ceremony.

The Chief Executive, Mrs Carrie Lam, officiated at the "Smart Prison" launching ceremony at Tai Tam Gap Correctional Institution of the Correctional Services Department today (May 22). Photo shows (from front row, second left) the Government Chief Information Officer, Mr Victor Lam; the Director of Immigration, Mr Au Ka-wang; the Secretary for Security, Mr John Lee; Mrs Lam; the Commissioner of Correctional Services, Mr Woo Ying-ming; the Chairman of the Legislative Council Panel on Security, Mr Chan Hak-kan; the Director of Electrical and Mechanical Services, Mr Pang Yiu-hung; the Director of Architectural Services, Ms Winnie Ho; the Executive Director of the Hong Kong Productivity Council, Mr Mohamed Butt (back row, third left), and rehabilitation synergistic partners.

The Chief Executive, Mrs Carrie Lam, officiated at the "Smart Prison" launching ceremony at Tai Tam Gap Correctional Institution of the Correctional Services Department today (May 22). Photo shows Mrs Lam (first right) and the Secretary for Security, Mr John Lee (second right), being briefed by the Commissioner of Correctional Services, Mr Woo Ying-ming (second left), on the Persons in Custody Self-service Kiosk System, which can be used for making information enquiries and submitting requests.

The Chief Executive, Mrs Carrie Lam, officiated at the "Smart Prison" launching ceremony at Tai Tam Gap Correctional Institution of the Correctional Services Department today (May 22). Photo shows Mrs Lam (first left) and the Secretary for Security, Mr John Lee (second left), being briefed by the Commissioner of Correctional Services, Mr Woo Ying-ming (first right), on the Integrated Intelligent Communication System, which allows persons in custody to make phone calls to designated persons by themselves.

The Chief Executive, Mrs Carrie Lam, officiated at the "Smart Prison" launching ceremony at Tai Tam Gap Correctional Institution of the Correctional Services Department today (May 22). Photo shows Mrs Lam (first left) and other guests, being briefed by the Commissioner of Correctional Services, Mr Woo Ying-ming (third right), on the staff handheld device with data access and message delivery functions.

The Chief Executive, Mrs Carrie Lam, officiated at the "Smart Prison" launching ceremony at Tai Tam Gap Correctional Institution of the Correctional Services Department today (May 22). Photo shows Mrs Lam (fourth left), the Secretary for Security, Mr John Lee (sixth left), and other guests, being briefed by the Commissioner of Correctional Services, Mr Woo Ying-ming (fifth left), on the Intelligent Robotic Monitoring System to be launched for use and the Robotic Patrol Dog under development.

Ends/Saturday, May 22, 2021
Issued at HKT 13:52