LegCo Panel on Security visits Lai Chi Kok Reception Centre (with photos)
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At the invitation of the Government, the Legislative Council (LegCo) Panel on Security visited Lai Chi Kok Reception Centre (LCKRC) today (December 12) to learn more about the current situation and future development plan of LCKRC. The in-situ partial redevelopment of LCKRC has been deliberated by the Panel and the Public Works Subcommittee, and will be considered at a future meeting of the Finance Committee.
Accompanied by the Secretary for Security, Mr Tang Ping-keung and the Commissioner of Correctional Services, Mr Wong Kwok-hing, Members received a briefing on the current situation and the redevelopment of LCKRC. They subsequently visited various facilities in the Main Building and Annex (which has been proposed for redevelopment) of LCKRC, including prison cells, visitation facilities, institutional clinic, dental treatment room, and religious service and multi-purpose room.
During the visit, Members noted the current operational challenges and insufficiency of facilities in LCKRC, including overcrowded custodial environment and inadequate activity space for persons in custody (PICs) on remand. Members expressed grave concerns over the daily activities of PICs on remand, and the management of institutional discipline and order under such environment.
Members were advised that since the facilities of LCKRC (including pipes) were dilapidated and some of these facilities were not built specifically for the purpose of LCKRC, the facility improvement and maintenance works undertaken by the Government failed to meet the operational need of LCKRC. In this regard, Members generally saw the need to implement the redevelopment of LCKRC. Members also exchanged views with the Government on the introduction of "smart prison" elements to further enhance the operational efficiency of LCKRC and improve the working environment of correctional officers.
A total of 16 members and non-members of the Panel on Security joined the visit.
Ends/Tuesday, December 12, 2023
Issued at HKT 22:58
Issued at HKT 22:58
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