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Ladies and Gentlemen,

I am delighted to be the Inspecting Officer at the Correctional Services Department's first Annual Inspection in the new millennium. I congratulate you all on your smart turn-out and on having completed successfully a rigorous training programme.

Members of the Correctional Services Department are the backstage heroes who help to ensure that our citizens can go about their daily lives safe and sound and for those who go astray, that they can be rehabilitated to become law abiding citizens once again.

True to its "We care" service motto, the Department has been breaking new ground in enhancing its rehabilitation programmes and enlisting community support in the re-integration of offenders into the society. On-going improvements are also being made to alleviate the perennial overcrowding problem in prisons through conversion and expansion of existing institutions and developing new penal facilities.

I am extremely pleased to learn that in order to prepare for the challenges of the 21st century, the Department has adopted a new Vision, Mission and Values statement, with a clear emphasis on high quality custodial and rehabilitation services, value for money, professionalism and personal integrity. This is the result of extensive consultation with staff at all levels and fully demonstrates the department's determination to raise the quality of its services. On this sound foundation, I am confident that the Department will rise to the challenges facing it in the new millennium.

I wish you well in your work and a healthy and happy Year of the Dragon. Thank you.

Photo: The Chief Secretary for Administration, Mrs Anson Chan, officiated at the Correctional Services Department annual inspection and parade at CSD's Staff Training Institute in Stanley afternoon. Picture shows Mrs Chan inspecting the contingents from various penal institutions.

End/Friday, January 28, 2000

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