Press Release

Correctional officers rescue remand inmates from suicide attempt and self harm

     Officers of the Correctional Services Department successfully prevented two remand inmates from attempting to commit suicide and self harm at Lai Chi Kok Reception Centre this morning (June 23).

     The first case occurred after midnight.  The officer, while performing inspection duties, found the 35-year-old remand inmate attempting to hang himself with his bed sheet which was tied into a loop and attached to the grille gate in his dormitory.  The officer stopped him immediately and called for supports. The inmate was found with no external injuries.  He was subsequently transferred to the centre's hospital for observation.

     The second case occurred at around dawn.  An 80-year-old male remand inmate was found with scratch marks on his left wrist by the officer during inspection.  Upon enquiry, the inmate claimed that he had used his finger nail to scratch his wrist and thus some slight scratch marks were made.  He was later sent to outside hospital to receive medical treatment.

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

     The Centre will arrange the two inmates to see clinical psychologist for further assessment and counselling.

     The two inmates were remanded in the centre for the offences of possession in dangerous drugs and wounding with intent respectively this year.
  

Ends/Saturday, June 23, 2012
Issued at HKT 16:22