ENG-2007 — Page 381

Public Order | 325

The Fire Service Installations Task Force has stepped up monitoring efforts to improve fire safety in buildings and heightened public awareness of the need to maintain fire service installations and equipment in buildings. A total of 58 643 building inspections were made during the year. The task force also monitors the performance of registered fire service installation contractors and made 500 surprise checks. Legal action has been taken against 36 contractors who were charged with having contravened the regulations.

Appliances and Equipment

In 2007, the department had 852 fire appliances, ambulances and supporting vehicles. A fleet of 22 fireboats provided fire protection and rescue services within Hong Kong waters.

New Stations and Depots

The department continued to plan and build fire stations and ambulance depots at strategic locations to cope with the city's growing development and service needs. and to adhere to the Government's policy of providing the fastest response possible to emergencies. During the year, a new fire station at Shenzhen Bay Control Point and a new ambulance post at Lok Ma Chau Spur Line Terminal were commissioned. The West Kowloon Rescue Training Centre, which is equipped with advanced fire fighting and rescue training facilities, was officially opened in October 2007.

Public Liaison Group

The Public Liaison Group was set up to encourage public participation in monitoring and improving the delivery of emergency fire and ambulance services. Among the 63 applicants from all walks of life, a total of 30 people were chosen randomly to form the group for 2007.

Correctional Services

The Correctional Services Department (CSD) runs a comprehensive range of services for adult and young offenders, drug addicts and offenders with psychiatric problems. Its services fall broadly under two headings: prison management and rehabilitation of offenders.

In 2007, the CSD managed 23 correctional institutions, three halfway houses, four rehabilitation centres, two custodial wards in public hospitals and one immigration centre for the Immigration Department. In all, 6 622 staff were looking after a daily average of 11 226 inmates, 375 detainees and 2 780 people under supervision after discharge from custody.

Offenders sentenced to imprisonment are assigned to institutions according to their gender, age and security ratings. Separate institutions are provided for males and females, and for adults and young offenders. Male and female young offenders aged between 14 and 20 may be admitted to a training centre or a rehabilitation centre. A detention centre programme is available for male offenders aged between 14 and 24. Drug addicts found guilty of an offence punishable by imprisonment may be placed in a drug addiction treatment centre.