· PUBLIC ORDER
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medical and psychological treatment programmes, aided by individual and group counselling, are provided for those under treatment. The period of detention for treat- ment is from six to 18 months, followed by a 12-month compulsory period of aftercare. During the year, discussions took place with the United Nations Social Defence Research Institute for an independent evaluation of the success of these centres.
A half-way house named 'New Life House' is a supporting facility for the treat- ment centres and spans the gap between the centres and society.
Aftercare
Aftercare plays an important role in the rehabilitation of discharged inmates and is a statutory requirement of the Training, Detention and Treatment Centres Ordin- ances. Aftercare commences soon after an inmate is admitted to a centre and mutual trust and respect is built up between him and the officer performing these duties. Advice and assistance are given on outside problems and family relationships im- proved. Suitability reports are prepared by the aftercare service as well as recommen- dations for recall.
Staff
All newly recruited staff undergo a 12-month programme of training. They spend the first two months in the Staff Training Institute on basic training. They are then posted to institutions for three months field training, followed by a further month in the Staff Training Institute where examinations are held. The next four months are spent on further field training, after which they attend a two-month advanced course of training in specialised fields. During the year, the old rank of warder was abolished and all staff holding that rank were re-graded assistant officers. Problems have, however, been created in the department owing to shortages of staff.
Discipline
There were no major disturbances among inmates during the year. However, there was an increase in incidents involving violence among inmates in maximum security prisons. There were 29 escapes compared with 53 in 1971.
Fire Services
Hong Kong's continuing industrial and residential development, along with in- creasing urbanisation of the New Territories, necessitated further re-organisation of the operational command structure. The six commands consist of Fire Services Head- quarters, responsible for the overall administration and organisation of the department and the airport division; the Fire Prevention Bureau; Hong Kong Island and Marine; Kowloon Command; New Territories Command; and the Ambulance Command.
The current authorised establishment of the department totals 3,303 of all ranks. It has 382 modern operational appliances and vehicles equipped with the most up-to- date fire and rescue equipment, including 562 sets of breathing apparatus and 93 miles of hose.