The Correctional Services Department (CSD) today (March 18) held an Open Day at the Staff Training Institute (STI) and the Hong Kong Correctional Services Museum in Stanley to tie in with the 20th anniversary of the establishment of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region and the 35th anniversary of the Prisons Department's renaming as the Correctional Services Department.
 
    Students, members of charitable organisations and non-governmental organisations, CSD staff and their family members participated in the event.
 
     The honorary advisor of the STI, Mr Kwan Chuk-fai; the Assistant Commissioner of Correctional Services (Human Resource), Ms Ng Sau-wai; and the Principal of the STI, Mr Lee Kwok-po, officiated at the opening ceremony to launch the event.
 
     Through interactive sessions and programmes, visitors learnt about the latest developments of the department, such as community education, as well as the historic changes of the penal system. They were also able to appreciate the efforts and determination of persons in custody to start a new life at correctional institutions by tasting the food and drinks, including milk tea and cookies, prepared by persons in custody who have taken various vocational training courses.
 
     The participants took part in various programmes, including using virtual reality technology to experience recruit training, Regional Response Team training and the work of the Dog Unit. In addition, members of the Civil Aid Service pipe band, the CSD pipe band and the CSD Guard of Honour staged a joint foot-drill performance. There were also tactical demonstrations and performances by the Dog Unit.
 
     Weapons and anti-riot equipment from different eras were on display for visitors to take photos. Visitors were also taken to visit the Hong Kong Correctional Services Museum where CSD staff performed a drama, through which the history of the correctional services and the department’s work and challenges were introduced. Visitors also experienced a journey back to former times through exchanges with CSD staff members dressed in old uniforms. Visitors can also take photos with the old prison as the background.
 
     To boost the festive atmosphere, paper models of CSD members in different uniforms and Easter eggs made by persons in custody were given to visitors as prizes at game booths.

Ends/Saturday, March 18, 2017
Issued at HKT 14:05

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