ENG-2006 — Page 406

Services Provided by Non-governmental Organisations

To channel community resources to support the work on rehabilitation of offenders, the CSD has been working closely with over 60 non-government organisations such as the Society of Rehabilitation and Crime Prevention, Hong Kong, Buddha's Light International Association of Hong Kong, Caritas Lok Heep Club, Hong Kong Christian Kun Sun Association, Christian Prison Pastoral Fellowship and Wu Oi Christian Centre. These voluntary organisations have been actively involved in a variety of services ranging from the provision of counselling services and religious sacraments, to the organisation of cultural and recreational projects in correctional institutions.

Community Support

Community acceptance and support is of paramount importance to the rehabilitation of offenders and their reintegration into society. Comprising representatives of non-governmental organisations, government departments and professionals from various sectors of society, the Committee on Community Support for Rehabilitated Offenders is a non-statutory advisory body appointed by the Commissioner of Correctional Services to advise on rehabilitation programmes and publicity strategies.

A series of publicity activities have been organised to appeal for public support for rehabilitated offenders. The major activities in 2006 included joint community activities organised with the 18 District Fight Crime Committees, the production of a concert and its DVD displaying the musical talents of inmates, and the production and broadcast of the fourth series of the TV documentary-drama The Road Back.

Information Technology and Management Services

Information technology is used extensively in the CSD to improve its efficiency in institutional management, the Correctional Services Industries, rehabilitation services, human resources management, staff training and general administration. Continuous efforts are being made to enhance the quality and efficiency of prison management and various services through the introduction of new technologies.

The Quality Assurance Division of the department initiates quality management to improve operations by carrying out management studies, inspections and evaluation of services as well as updating departmental practices to bring them in line with the prevailing policy and the changing needs of the community.

Visiting Justices

Each penal institution is visited by Justices of the Peace fortnightly or monthly, depending on the type of institutions. The Justices of the Peace receive and investigate complaints from prisoners, inspect diets and examine living and working conditions.

Complaints

The Complaints Investigation Unit is responsible for handling and investigating complaints in relation to the department's work. All investigation reports are subject to the scrutiny of the Correctional Services Department Complaints Committee.