ENG-1996 — Page 386

PUBLIC ORDER

302

Correctional Services

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The Correctional Services Department administers a wide range of services for adult and young offenders, drug addicts and offenders with psychiatric problems. The services fall broadly under two programme areas - prison management and re- integration into society. The department also manages detention centres for Vietnamese migrants (VMs) and ex-China Vietnamese illegal immigrants.

At the end of 1996, the department was managing 22 correctional institutions, four halfway houses, a staff training institute, an emergency support group, two custodial wards in public hospitals, and three detention centres for VMs and ex-China Vietnamese illegal immigrants. In all, 7 290 staff were looking after 12 924 inmates, 5 296 VMs, 273 ex-China Vietnamese illegal immigrants, and 3 859 people under supervision after discharge from custody.

In 1996, the penal population remained high and averaged 30 per cent over the certified accommodation. Despite overcrowding which stretched resources, the department was able to implement its programmes effectively.

The number of VMs continued to decrease in 1996 through repatriation and resettlement. The number repatriated in 1996 increased by five times compared with 1995. The workload of the department in managing the VM detention centres remained heavy. The year proved eventful as the VMs continued to maintain an uncooperative and aggressive stance towards the Orderly Repatriation Programme as well as camp transfer exercises.

A new motor launch, Seaway, was put into operation for cargo conveyance to penal institutions on the outlying islands. This vessel, which can carry 40 persons, has greatly enhanced the effectiveness and efficiency of the Emergency Support Group, which is responsible for escort duties. The group is also responsible for providing back-up emergency support services to all institutions.

Male Offenders

Prisoners are assigned to institutions according to their security rating, which takes into account, among other things, the risk they pose to the community and whether or not they are first-time offenders. There are 12 prisons for adult males, four in each of the maximum, medium and minimum security categories. One maximum security prison, Siu Lam Psychiatric Centre, accommodates prisoners requiring psychiatric

treatment.

Adult prisoners released under the Pre-release Employment Scheme are housed in a halfway house. The residents must go out to work during the day and return in the evening.

Young Offenders

Prisoners aged under 21 are detained separately from adult prisoners. In 1996, 762 young men and 548 young women were sentenced to imprisonment, and 931 young men and 191 young women were received for custody on remand. Young persons aged between 14 and 20, who are convicted of an offence punishable with imprisonment, may be remanded in custody for a period not exceeding three weeks for assessment of their suitability for admission to a training centre or, for males, a detention centre. For the latter, young adults aged between 21 and 24 may also be so remanded. A comprehensive report, together with the appropriate recommendations,