XN000022-1996-03-06 — Page 134

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Reply:

Mr President,

The answer to the four parts in this question is as follows:

(a)

(b)

(c)

(d)

In the past three years, there were six cases of CSD staff caught smuggling unauthorised articles into prisons.

The CSD maintains a high degree of vigilance to prevent and to identify such smuggling activity. Detectors and prescribed search methods are used to check the belongings of every person, including staff, entering an institution. Training courses and simulation exercises are conducted to enhance the staff's skills in detecting smuggling activity. Prison staff who show signs of becoming "at risk" due to financial difficulties are interviewed and given necessary counselling. Inmates' cells are searched regularly, and if unauthorised articles are found, a thorough investigation will be carried out.

Apart from internal investigation, the CSD refers all smuggling cases involving staff to the ICAC for follow up action. Of the six cases, three have been convicted, one is awaiting trial and two are on bail pending further ICAC investigation.

Security measures mentioned in (b) above are taken in each penal institution to prevent and to detect smuggling activity. Throughout the Department, a comprehensive intelligence gathering network is maintained to monitor possible smuggling activity. The Department also regularly reviews its measures and improves its training material in the light of the cases referred to the ICAC in order to prevent similar recurrences of smuggling. Besides strengthening security, it is also important to deter smuggling through education. Refresher courses are organised regularly to remind staff of the serious consequences of smuggling unauthorised articles into penal institutions.

End