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PUBLIC ORDER
Psychological Services Psychologists and specially-trained officers provide a wide range of counselling services for prisoners and inmates with emotional difficulties, behavioural or personality problems. In-depth reports are prepared for the courts to assist them in their sentencing. These reports also help the department in assessing an offender's suitability for participation in various programmes. Research projects are also undertaken to improve treatment programmes and reduce recidivism.
Visiting Justices
Justices of the Peace appointed by the Governor visit institutions, including closed centres for the Vietnamese refugees, either fortnightly or monthly, depending on the type of institution. Their statutory duties include investigating complaints, inspecting diets and reporting on the standards of living and working conditions. They also advise the Commissioner on the employment of prisoners and work opportunities after release. In 1987, a total of 551 visits were made to institutions and closed centres, normally without prior notice.
Closed Centres
The Correctional Services Department has been responsible for the management of closed centres for Vietnamese refugees since their establishment in July 1982. Chi Ma Wan Closed Centre accommodates refugees from South Vietnam, and Hei Ling Chau Closed Centre accommodates those from North Vietnam, while Tuen Mun Closed Centre houses both southerners and northerners, including unaccompanied females and minors, and family groups who have been carefully selected for their ability to live in harmony with one another.
The refugee population continued to increase during the year to 6 341 compared with 4 226 at the end of 1986. Efforts are being made to increase the capacity of these three centres. Facilities for education, vocational training and recreation have also been improved.
The Save the Children Fund, World Relief, the Salvation Army and the International Social Service, operating under the aegis of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees, organise social services, including educational classes, vocational training and cottage industries as well as recreational activities for the refugees.
Ex-China Vietnamese Illegal Immigrants
During July and August, 7 306 Vietnamese who had previously settled in China arrived in Hong Kong illegally. This sudden influx placed a strenuous demand on resources. In addition to Cape Collinson Correctional Institution, three new detention centres had to be set up to accommodate these illegal immigrants, who are not refugees according to the criteria of the United Nations High Commission for Refugees.
Discussions were held with the Chinese authorities to repatriate these illegal immigrants. By the end of the year, 7 150 had been returned to China.
Society for the Rehabilitation of Offenders, Hong Kong
The Society for the Rehabilitation of Offenders, Hong Kong, founded in 1957 and formerly known as the Hong Kong Discharged Prisoners' Aid Society, is a voluntary organisation which provides care and supervision for ex-offenders who are given non-custodial sentences and persons released from prisons.