ENG-1978 — Page 188

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courts for observation or assessment. This has proved most useful, at the same time relieving the pressure on the psychiatric centre at Siu Lam.

Siu Lam Psychiatric Centre (accommodation 120) is a maximum security prison providing advanced psychiatric treatment for the criminally insane and certain con- victed prisoners of a dangerous and violent nature. Inmates of other institutions requiring psychiatric treatment or case assessments required by the courts are also sent to the centre, but are detained separately. The centre has a special wing tem- porarily set aside for female prisoners requiring the highest degree of security.

Young Male Offenders

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Three correctional programmes training centre, detention centre and prison operate for young offenders. There are five main centres which have a total certified accommodation of 1,152 young inmates; during 1978, the average daily population was 873. In addition, drug addiction treatment is provided for young offenders in a separate special sub-centre on Hei Ling Chau.

The opening of the Lai King Training Centre in September made possible a number of changes and improvements in the arrangements provided for young male offenders. There are three training centres providing half-day schooling and half-day vocational training. Sentences range from six months to three years and all inmates released have a job or a place in a school. Release is followed by three years compulsory after-care supervision.

Lai King Training Centre (accommodation 260) houses young convicted persons remanded for reports as to suitability for sentence to a training centre; young uncon- victed persons remanded from the courts on minor offences; and training centre inmates aged 14 to 17 years.

Cape Collinson Training Centre (accommodation 127) is a minimum security centre catering for the 18 to 21 age group. It is the home of the department's pipe and brass band, comprising inmates who are trained in such skills during detention.

The Pik Uk Correctional Institution (accommodation 385) is a maximum security institution with separate sections for a training centre and a prison. The more intract- able training centre inmates are held here. Also accommodated are young people, including adults under 25 years, convicted by the courts but remanded for reports as to their suitability for sentence to the Sha Tsui Detention Centre. The prison section holds young prisoners requiring a high degree of security and serving longer sentences. Tai Tam Gap Prison (accommodation 160), which was converted to a minimum security prison in September, houses young prisoners of a low security category serving relatively short sentences.

The Sha Tsui Detention Centre (accommodation 220) is a medium security centre with two sections one for 14 to 20 year-olds and the other for those aged 21 to 24. Inmates undergo a programme which has been stylised as 'short sharp shock' treat- ment for first offenders, or those with a short criminal history. The emphasis is on strict discipline, hard physical work and few privileges. Sentences range from one month to six months for those under 21 years, and three months to 12 months for the 21 to 24 year-olds. Discharge within these limits is at the discretion of the Commis- sioner of Prisons and occurs when it is considered the inmate has achieved the