​The Correctional Services Department (CSD) conducted a large-scale emergency exercise, code-named "Concord XXV", at Pik Uk Correctional Institution today (October 21). The exercise simulated a series of incidents, which included fighting among remand persons in custody (PICs), a hostage-taking situation, a fire breakout, a mass riot and the discovery of explosives.
      
     The exercise aimed to review the response capabilities of various units of the CSD when handling emergencies. These include command and communication capabilities at the scene, the effectiveness of activating the Emergency Response System at different tiers according to the developments of emergency situations and the effectiveness of emergency responses as well as information dissemination at departmental levels. The exercise also tested the CSD's co-ordination with other government departments when responding to emergencies. The exercise also included the use of emergency evacuation procedures in the event of the discovery of explosives within the area of the correctional institution.
      
     A total of more than 150 staff members from different government departments, including the CSD's Correctional Emergency Response Team and Regional Response Team, the Hong Kong Police Force and the Fire Services Department, took part in the exercise.
      
     The Assistant Commissioner of Correctional Services (Operations), Mr Chan Siu-hang, was in charge of the whole exercise at the CSD's Central Control Centre in Stanley. He said that the exercise enhanced the response capabilities of the CSD and the effectiveness of its emergency support. It also ensured effective communication and co-operation between government departments.
      
     The CSD holds regular emergency exercises of different scales, including those at institutional, regional and departmental levels, with a view to ensuring that staff members are capable of handling different types of incidents, thereby safeguarding national security, providing a safe and secure custodial environment for PICs and maintaining Hong Kong as one of the safest cities in the world.

Ends/Wednesday, October 21, 2026
Issued at HKT 20:15

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