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Public Order
22 females) were remanded. In addition, 149 offenders (135 males and 14 females) were sentenced to detention in training centres, rehabilitation centres or the detention centre in Sha Tsui, 727 offenders (569 males and 158 females) were placed in drug addiction treatment centres, and 1,389 offenders (1,177 males and 212 females) were remanded pending suitability reports for sentencing to one of these centres.
Most of the correctional facilities are either aged or were originally built for other purposes. To meet the requirements of penal operations and management, the department will continue to explore possible redevelopment and improvement projects.
Pre-sentence Assessment
Young offenders and offenders with drug addiction problems who are sentenced to imprisonment may be remanded in custody for not more than three weeks to assess their suitability for admission to a correctional facility. The Rehabilitation Unit under the CSD prepares suitability reports for the courts, while the Young Offender Assessment Panel, comprising CSD and Social Welfare Department representatives, considers cases referred by the courts and recommends to magistrates and judges the most suitable rehabilitation programmes for young offenders.
In 2017, the unit recommended 244 males and 31 females for admission to a rehabilitation centre, a training centre or a detention centre, and 704 males and 206 females as suitable for a drug addiction treatment centre. The panel received 58 cases from the courts for assessment.
Training, Detention and Rehabilitation Centres
The two training centres provide young people with custodial correctional training for between six months and three years, comprising half-day educational classes and half-day vocational training. They also receive character development training in the form of scouting and guiding. Upon release, they are subject to three-year statutory supervision.
At the detention centre in Sha Tsui, males aged between 14 and 20 go through one to six months of detention, and males aged between 21 and 24, three to 12 months. Its programmes emphasise strict discipline, strenuous training, hard work and a vigorous routine. After release, they are placed under one-year statutory supervision.
The rehabilitation centres provide a sentencing option for the courts to deal with young offenders aged between 14 and 20 who need a short-term residential rehabilitation programme. Those released are put through one-year statutory supervision.
Education
Offenders under 21 receive education and assistance to participate in local and overseas accredited public examinations. Adults are encouraged to take self-study courses or tertiary- level distance learning programmes offered by accredited institutions. Those pursuing further studies may apply for financial help from the Prisoners' Education Trust Fund and other education subsidy schemes.
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