5.
Measures to enhance COMAC's services to CSD inmates
The Correctional Services Department (CSD) today (Thursday) welcomed the package of measures announced by the Office of the Commissioner for Administrative Complaints (COMAC) to raise the awareness of COMAC's services to inmates in Hong Kong's penal institutions.
A CSD spokesman said the department would facilitate COMAC in the implementation of these measures which did not infringe on either the discipline or security of the penal institutions.
"In an open society, it is important that the channel of communication remain accessible between various groups of the community, including the penal population, and that is why the CSD ensures that all prisoners are made aware of the numerous channels for them to complain.
"These are: Justices of the Peace, members of the Legislative Council, the Office of the Commissioner for Administrative Complaints, the Independent Commission Against Corruption, the Commissioner of Correctional Services and the Governor, to name a few," he said.
"We also have a very effective means of investigating these complaints through our Complaints Investigation Unit.
"However, if an inmate is not satisfied with the outcome of our investigation they are free to take their complaints to any of the other channels mentioned. The department is duty-bound to assist prisoners to take their complaints elsewhere.
"It should be noted that the excellent work done by the Justices of the Peace through the years is very much appreciated by everyone in the Department and I'm sure by the inmates themselves."
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