Press Release

Correctional officer stops person in custody attempting self-harm

     An officer of the Correctional Services Department stopped a person in custody attempting self-harm in Pik Uk Correctional Institution last night (August 28).

     At about 9.30pm, a patrolling officer found the 18-year-old male inmate inflicting minor self-injury on his neck and wrist with a piece of broken plastic mirror inside his cell. The inmate remained conscious at the time.

     The officer immediately sent him to the centre hospital for initial treatment. He was later transferred to an outside hospital for further medical observation and treatment. Arrangements will be made for him to see a clinical psychologist for further assessment and counselling.

     A spokesman for the department said, "The department has been taking 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 inmate was sentenced to imprisonment of 50 months for an offence of trafficking in dangerous drugs.

Ends/Wednesday, August 29, 2012
Issued at HKT 17:55

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