ENG-1973 — Page 183

PUBLIC ORDER

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the site and buildings at the former Stanley Training Centre available for alternative use. This institution has been renamed Ma Hang Centre.

The daily tempo of training centres is brisk and the inmates are fully occupied in studies, vocational and trade training, hobbies and sport. A sentence runs from a minimum of nine months to a maximum of three years depending upon the inmates' progress and other factors, followed by a compulsory period of aftercare. The present training centres are run on fairly open lines. However, in view of the increasingly violent behaviour of the young offender of today, a new training centre at present being built at Pik Uk will be a maximum security institution.

There are two detention centres located at Sha Tsui and Tong Fuk situated on Lantau Island. This type of alternative treatment for selected young offender started in June 1972 and was intended to provide a 'short sharp shock'. Sentences range from a minimum of one month to a maximum of six months followed by six months compulsory aftercare. The emphasis is on strict discipline and hard work and is aimed at teaching inmates respect for the law while providing some form of positive training. The results achieved so far are encouraging.

Addiction Treatment Centres

There are two drug addiction treatment centres for males located at Tai Lam near Castle Peak and Ma Po Ping on Lantau Island. If a convicted prisoner is found to be drug dependent the treatment centres can, if the person is suitable, be an alter- native to inprisonment. The period of treatment is from six to 18 months, followed by a compulsory period of 12 months aftercare. The majority of inmates respond to the treatment and the environment of the centre which is run on open lines, and there is usually a quick improvement in their well-being and physique. Comprehensive medical and psychological treatment aided by individual group counselling are all part of the programme. The New Life House is a half-way house which helps to span the gap between institutional life and society.

Aftercare

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Aftercare is specifically provided under the Training, Detention and Treatment Centres Ordinances. This is carried out by officers of the Prisons Department and plays an important role in the rehabilitation of those discharged. Aftercare work starts soon after an inmate is admitted to a centre when mutual trust and respect is fostered between the aftercare officer and the inmate. The aftercare officer provides advice and assistance to the former inmate and to his family. The total number of persons under aftercare at the end of 1973 was 2,433.

Staff

The staffing difficulties encountered by the department eased somewhat during 1973 but the department is still short by some 200. All newly recruited staff undergo a 12-month programme of training both at the Staff Training Institute at Stanley and in the field. The training is comprehensive in both theory and practice and inter- mediate and advanced examinations are held.