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The Secretary for Financial Services and the Treasury (FST), Professor K C Chan today (June 16) commended the Correctional Services Department (CSD) for making significant contributions to the community by striving to establish a safer and more inclusive society and providing comprehensive custodial and rehabilitation services.
Speaking at a passing-out parade at the department's Staff Training Institute, Professor Chan said over the years, the CSD had collaborated with a number of business organisations and non-profit-making bodies to build a caring and stable community together.
"This year, the department has been awarded the 'Caring Organisation Logo' by the Hong Kong Council of Social Service for the third consecutive year. In February, it was also presented with the 'Total Caring Award' as a recognition of its continual, sustainable and total commitment in caring for the well-being of the staff and their families as well as the community as a whole.
"The CSD has made continual efforts to meet the ever-changing demands and anticipations of the community. In a bid to alleviate overcrowding in penal institutions and renew ageing facilities, the redevelopment project of Lo Wu Correctional Institution has been scheduled for completion in 2010 to provide 1,400 penal places. Moreover, the conversion project of Lai King Correctional Institution was completed in May to provide a better custodial environment and upgraded facilities for young female offenders."
On rehabilitation work, Professor Chan said the department has implemented the "Risks and Needs Assessment and Management Protocol for Offenders" and matching rehabilitation programmes in order to reduce recidivism among discharged offenders.
"These measures will help the offenders to effectively turn over a new leaf and become law-abiding citizens," he added.
"Over the past three years, the number of voluntary agencies engaged in promoting public acceptance of offenders and helping them reintegrate into society has increased more than twofold from 26 to over 60. In 2008, more than 2,000 volunteers have participated in the provision of rehabilitation services.
"It shows that the public has gradually accepted the offenders and is actively engaged in rehabilitation work," he said.
He encouraged the passing-out officers to uphold the professionalism of the department and to dedicate themselves to correctional services.
Accompanying Professor Chan at the passing-out parade was the Commissioner of Correctional Services, Mr Kwok Leung-ming.
A total of 41 officers and 25 assistant officers II participating in the passing-out ceremony completed demanding training of 23 to 26 weeks. Among them, two top officers were awarded the Principal's Shield and one top assistant officer II was awarded the Golden Whistle.
Ends/Monday, June 16, 2008
Issued at HKT 17:59
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