CSD’s statement in response to individual media’s unfounded reports on Tai Tam Gap Correctional Institution

     In response to unfounded reports by the Stand News discrediting the "Smart Prison" management model based on non-refoulement claimants' unfounded allegations against Tai Tam Gap Correctional Institution (TGCI), the Correctional Services Department (CSD) today (November 25) issued the following statement:
      
     To maintain public law and order, the CSD is currently supervising claimants who have committed serious crimes, pose security risks and are at risk of absconding or reoffending at TGCI in accordance with the relevant legislations to ensure that they do not pose any threat to the public.
      
     All detained claimants must strictly abide by the order and regulations of the institution. For claimants who violate discipline, the institution management will take immediate disciplinary action and impose appropriate punishment, and will never condone their behaviour. Since the commencement of the operation of the institution in late May this year, some claimants have disregarded discipline and committed a number of disciplinary violations, and two collective illicit activities against the management occurred on June 20 and August 19. The management immediately took corresponding action to combat the illicit activities. The CSD reiterated that correctional officers will continue to be vigilant in their duties and enforce the law strictly, and will not tolerate any acts that are unlawful and violate discipline and will not be afraid of any smearing allegations.
      
     In recent years, the CSD has been actively developing the "Smart Prison" management model, which introduces technology to enhance the security level of institutions, strengthen management efficiency, safeguard the health of persons in custody and improve the self-management and rehabilitation of persons in custody in the correctional institutions. TGCI is the first generation of "Smart Prison". Since its commencement of operation, all systems have been operating normally and all aspects have achieved the desired results. Various stakeholders have also benefited from the new model. The department strongly condemns the media concerned for smearing and demonising the "Smart Prison" management model, misleading the public and attempting to influence the modernisation process of correctional institutions. The department will continue to promote the "Smart Prison" management model to other correctional institutions as planned.
      
     The CSD emphasises that any claimant who is dissatisfied with their treatment during detention may lodge their complaints through various channels. The department will act in accordance with the law and will never succumb to the much-hyped unfounded accusations.