XN000022-1973-07-06 — Page 4

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Friday, July 6, 1973

The heavy burden on staff, resulting from the

general staff shortage.

Overcrowding of accommodation and the general

inadequacy of facilities.

"The rapidly changing pattern of crime in Hong Kong has naturally

had its effect on the type of offender we are dealing with," said the spokesman.

"The new type of younger offender, committed for crimes of violence, is much

more aggressive and calls for a different method of approach to ensure proper

discipline.

"We believe this can be more effectively organised if we segregate

these offenders from the older, less aggressive inmates.

"We intend to maintain our strict search operations and other

measures to guard against illicit trafficking, and already there are indications

that these have had their desired effect. Any enforcement of stricter

disciplines is naturally (the more) resented until it becomes part of the

routine.

"Because of the shortage of staff experienced throughout the

department, those prison officers at Stanley have been under severe pressure.

This has ceant cutting down on the time-table and has allowed little opportunity

for recreation or any of the other additional amenities that might help to

keep inmates usefully occupied outside normal working hours.

"With the recruitment of additional staff, we would hope to correct

this situation and introduce not only more effective supervision but also

better organised recreational programmes.

/"But