Completion of institution reshuffles on islands

A series of institution reshuffles on islands was completed last month, signifying the Department's effort in optimising the use of resources to meet the change of penal population, operational needs and demand on enhanced services.

The project includes conversion of Lai Sun Correctional Institution (LSCI) from pre-release vocational training centre for male adult prisoners to drug addiction treatment centre for young inmates, renaming of Hei Ling Chau Addiction Treatment Centre(Annex)(HLTC °iA°j) to Nei Kwu Correctional Institution(NKCI) with extension of accommodation places for female drug abusers as well as amalgamation of Ma Po Ping Prison (MPP) and Tong Fuk Centre (TFC) to become one prison known as Tong Fuk Correctional Institution (TFCI).

Assistant Commissioner (Operations) Lam Kwok-leung said, "In view of an upward trend in the admission of drug addicts and a widespread problem of drug abuse by youngsters, the Department has taken a series of responsive steps by reorganisation of institutional regime and redeployment of resources to embrace the emerging challenges."

As one of the strategic measures, the LSCI was converted to be a drug addiction treatment centre in mid January this year. It provides 182 accommodation places to house young male drug abusers.

"The change of function of LSCI not only helps alleviate the overcrowding in Hei Ling Chau Addiction Treatment Centre(HLTC), but also enhance rehabilitative services and vocational training for young drug abusers through utilisation of existing facilities in the institution," said Mr Lam.

"The institution now provides a variety of vocational training programmes, such as mechanical craft, office and commercial practice, hairstyling and cafe assistant training for drug abusers. It allows them to attain recognised qualifications and equip themselves with employment skills for self-reliance upon release," he added.

Subsequent to the transformation of LSCI, HLTC(A) was renamed to Nei Kwu Correctional Institution(NKCI)on February 25. Penal places in the institution were reallocated meanwhile, resulting in the increase of places for female drug abusers from 140 to 180.

Mr Lam pointed out that such arrangement could cope with the change of composition of inmates and soaring demands on the drug addiction treatment services, ensuring the use of resources in a cost-effective way.

"To better coordinate the execution of treatment programmes for young drug abusers, NKCI is detached from HLTC and overseen by the Superintendent of LSCI," he added.

On the same day, MPP and TFC were amalgamated to be one prison and renamed as Tong Fuk Correctional Institution (TFCI).

Mr Lam said, "Apart from strengthening the institution's administration, the amalgamation will produce economy of scale in the use of resources, enhance operational efficiency and further improve rehabilitation facilities."

"Following full implementation of the reshuffling project, the Department will closely monitor the deployment of staff to ensure adequate manpower for maintaining institution operations and service quality," he added.