Press Release

Correctional officers stop remand inmates from self-harm

     Correctional services officers stopped two male remand inmates from hurting themselves in Lai Chi Kok Reception Centre over the past two days.

      During an interview by officers yesterday (March 3) at about 2pm, a 32-year-old male remand inmate suddenly turned emotional and tried to hit himself against a metal box mounted on the wall.  The officers immediately stopped him and gave proper counselling to him.

      The inmate sustained no injury. He will be referred to a clinical psychologist for further assessment.

      At about 3pm today (March 4), a correctional officer found a 27-year-old inmate sitting on the floor of his cell with a towel wrapped round his neck. The officer immediately gave the inmate first aid treatment. He was found conscious.  

      Officers immediately sent him to the Centre Hospital for examination and treatment. He was then transferred to a public hospital for further examination and will later be referred to a clinical psychologist for assessment.

      A spokesman for the department said, "The department has been using all possible measures to prevent people in its custody from attempting suicide or self-harm. These measures include administrative arrangements, improvement of institution facilities, staff training and first aid services."

      The 32-year-old inmate was remanded for offences of possession of offensive weapon, possession of Part 1 poison, possession of equipment fit and intended for the smoking of dangerous drug and possession of a dangerous drug, while the 27-year-old inmate was remanded for an offence of trafficking in dangerous drug.

Ends/Monday, March 4, 2013
Issued at HKT 22:56

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