Press Release

Correctional officers rescue inmates attempting suicide

     Officers of the Correctional Services Department prevented two inmates from attempting to hang themselves with bed sheets in Sha Tsui Correctional Institution and Stanley Prison this morning (March 4).

     At about 3.08am, a patrolling officer at Sha Tsui Correctional Institution found a 15-year-old detention centre detainee hanged himself on the grille bar of the entrance gate with his bed sheet.  He was immediately released and the Institution's medical officer was called to attend scene and provide treatment.

     The detainee, who had been admitted to the Institution last month on a charge of trafficking in dangerous drugs, was in conscious condition. He was sent to Princess Margaret Hospital for further treatment.

     The second incident took place in Stanley Prison at about 3.25am, when a patrolling officer discovered a 26-year-old inmate hanged himself on the window grille with a bed sheet and stopped him immediately.

     The inmate was conscious and subsequently transferred to Centre Hospital for treatment.  Further arrangements will be made for him to attend psychiatric assessment and treatment.  He was admitted to Stanley Prison in 2009 on a charge of robbery.

     A spokesperson for the department said, "The department has been using all possible measures to prevent people in its custody from attempting suicide or self-harm. The measures include administrative arrangements, improvement of institution facilities, staff training and first aid services."

Ends/Sunday, March 4, 2012
Issued at HKT 17:29

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