ENG-1970 — Page 190

PUBLIC ORDER

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previous year's total of 97. However 58 had been recaptured by the end of the year.

Those prisoners not considered suitable for open institutions are confined in Stanley Prison which is the Colony's main security establishment with an average daily population of some 1,966 inmates. This prison is also the main industrial centre where productive industries such as tailoring, metal work, shoemaking and rattanware are concentrated.

A large percentage of convicted male prisoners are found on admission to be drug-dependent. The addiction treatment centre at Tai Lam offers special treatment facilities for drug-dependents and, through a unique programme developed since the centre was opened in 1958, has achieved encouraging results. All necessary phases of treatment are followed, including statutory after-care. A milestone in the field of treatment and rehabilitation of drug- dependents was reached in early 1969 when the Drug Addiction Treatment Centres Ordinance 1968 came into operation, whereby a court is able to order a person known to be drug-dependent to be detained in a treatment centre from six to 18 months in lieu of any other sentence. Subject to one year's supervision on release, supervisees may be recalled if the terms of a Supervision Order are not complied with. The centre carries out an extensive pro- gramme of research of which details are published annually. The average inmate population of the centre was 559 during 1970.

This year has continued to be one of great activity in preparation for new institutions at Siu Lam (Prisons Department Psychiatric Centre) and Dragon's Back (Training Centre for young male offenders). Plans are also in hand for a new Reception and Classi- fication Centre for men, an open prison for men and two additional training centres for young male offenders.

FIRE SERVICES

The Fire Services Department is responsible for combating outbreaks of fire, for rescuing persons from perilous situations and generally assisting the public at times of disaster. This is achieved by the provision of some 30 Fire Stations located throughout the Colony. In addition a fleet of six fireboats are always prepared for