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The Correctional Services Department (CSD) strived to achieve its goal of building a safer and more inclusive society in Hong Kong and would further improve its custodial and rehabilitative services as well as offendersˇ¦ determination and community involvement, Commissioner of Correctional Services, Mr Kwok Leung-ming, said today (January 17).
Speaking at a press conference to review the work of the department, Mr Kwok said for achieving its goal, CSD, in 2007, identified four critical success factors - the quality of the department's custodial services, comprehensive services for offender rehabilitation, the responsiveness of offenders to these services and their dedication to reform, and community support for the rehabilitation of offenders.
"While the first two factors are under CSD's control, the other two are affected by many interrelated and complicated personal, social and economic issues. Nevertheless, we will work towards our goal by further improving its custodial and rehabilitative services as well as offendersˇ¦ determination and community involvement," Mr Kwok said.
On its Prison Development Plan, Mr Kwok said the department aimed to alleviate prison overcrowding and meeting the demand for decent, modern prison facilities.
"In April, 2007, work started on the Lo Wu Correctional Institution (LWCI) redevelopment project. This will convert the old site into three institutions with a total capacity of 1,400 penal places. Construction is expected to be completed by the end of 2009, and the three new institutions will begin to take prisoners in early 2010," he said.
"Although this will greatly relieve overpopulation in Hong Kong's prisons, we will continue redeveloping old institutions."
The department is planning to redevelop its two institutions at Chi Ma Wan which are non-purpose built with ageing facilities beyond economical repair, and short of space for classrooms and other necessary rehabilitation facilities.
On the department's rehabilitation service, Mr Kwok said the Rehabilitation Division which entered its 10th anniversary this month (January), had worked tirelessly to promote offender rehabilitation and crime prevention. It had helped many offenders return to the community as law abiding citizens, and had also helped enhance community acceptance of rehabilitated offenders.
On quality assurance, Mr Kwok said: "We have strived to eradicate illicit activities inside penal institutions, notably cracking down on gambling among prisoners and interception of drugs. To uplift our service quality, we have initiated enhancements to the inspection mechanism with an internal e-platform for sharing experience and delivery of training to institutions."
Mr Kwok pointed out that maintaining a highly committed and motivated workforce was essential to the work of the department, and approval was given to recruit 374 staff members during the 2007-2008 financial year including 266 Assistant Officers II and 86 Officers.
"Thanks to the hard work and dedication of our colleagues, the CSD has addressed many of the issues identified in our critical success factors this year," he said.
Looking ahead, Mr Kwok said he was confident that 2008 would see further success for the Department, as CSD strived to make Hong Kong a safer place for all.
Ends/Thursday, January 17, 2008
Issued at HKT 19:11
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