Hong Kong Correctional Services Annual Review 2014[ Commissioner’s Foreword] [ Operations and Institutional Management ] [ Rehabilitation ] [ Industries and Vocational Training ] [ Human Resource Management ] [ Quality Assurance ] [ Administration and Planning ] [ Green Management ] [ Appendices ] |
Quality AssuranceQuality Assurance Division (QAD) continued to conduct timely review and initiate enhancements for upholding the performance standard of the Department in 2014.
Inspectorate and Security UnitThe Inspectorate Sub-unit is committed to providing systematic and quality inspections to correctional facilities to ensure that the departmental policies are followed, rules and regulations are duly complied with, approved practices and standards are consistently maintained, and resources gainfully deployed to enhance efficiency. In 2014, the Inspectorate Sub-unit conducted a total of four full inspections, 11 thematic inspections, 16 follow-up inspections, 18 security inspections and 20 surprise visits to various correctional facilities. To uphold the performance standard of the Department and address public aspirations that come with the ever changing society and penal environment, the Inspectorate Sub-unit continued to contribute enhancement initiatives particularly relating to security facilities and procedures. In 2014, the Inspectorate Sub-unit continued the thematic study on "Closed Circuit Television (CCTV) System" and explored the feasibility of including software control and analytical functions to assist in the real time monitoring and reviewing of CCTV footages. Inspectorate Sub-unit also introduced the "Drain and Duct Inspection System" for security check of pipes and ducts so as to enhance institutional security. During the year, the Security Sub-unit made every effort to stamp out the smuggling of contrabands into correctional institutions, ensuring a drug-free environment for keeping persons in custody with the help of X-ray body scanners. There were 51 cases of discovering dangerous drugs, all were intercepted on the doorstep of the institutions. Wiping out gambling and illicit activities in correctional facilities is an important mission of the Security Sub-unit. In order to reduce gambling and other illicit activities, sound intelligence networks were built up and frequent searching operations were enforced, particularly to combat against soccer betting during the World Cup. The Security Sub-unit even worked together with the Rehabilitation Division to promote anti-gambling message to persons in custody. In 2014, 544 joint searching operations, 5 025 special searching operations and 104 night raid operations were conducted in institutions with fruitful results. On the training front, the Inspectorate and Security Unit organised job-related training courses for QAD officers with professional academies on "Criminal Law", "Counter-terrorism" and "Triad Association ".
Complaints Investigation UnitAppointed by the Commissioner of Correctional Services, the Complaints Investigation Unit (CIU) handles and investigates all complaints within its purview, the results of which are examined by the Correctional Services Department Complaints Committee (CSDCC). Customer Satisfaction Surveys are conducted in order to gauge satisfaction with CIU services in terms of mannerism, professionalism and efficiency. In 2014, the satisfaction rating was over 90%. CIU introduced the international quality management system in 2000 and was accredited certificate by the Hong Kong Quality Assurance Agency in August 2000 and then upgraded to ISO 9001:2008 in January 2009, which demonstrated the efforts of CIU in making continuous improvements. In February 2014, the certificate was renewed by the HKQAA till 2017. For the continual improvement and enhancement of staff working knowledge, CIU uploaded complaints statistics and recommendations endorsed by CSDCC as well as cases of interest to the 'Knowledge Management System' and 'Smart QA Info' of CSD Intranet on quarterly basis. CIU continued to adopt mediation service as an alternative to resolve minor and uncomplicated reportable complaints. As at the end of 2014, 56 serving staff have received mediation facilitator training. Enhancement course to refresh facilitators with updated knowledge and practical skill in mediation service was also held in November 2014. In 2014, CIU received 438 complaint cases / requests / enquiries from persons in custody and the public. Among them, 94 complaint cases entailed full investigation by CIU, 39 complaint cases entailed handling by institutions under CIU monitoring, 158 were repeated complaints, 147 were requests / enquiries. Besides, CSDCC examined and endorsed the investigation reports on a total of 87 complaint cases and made 16 recommendations for service improvement.
Management Services UnitDuring the year, the Management Services Unit constantly reviewed the relevant legislation under the Department's purview, departmental standing orders and operational manuals to ensure that they were in line with operational needs and able to meet the demands arising from the changing environment in society. The Unit also carried out researches in the application of technology for operational and security enhancement. The first X-ray body scanner was introduced to Lai Chi Kok Reception Centre in December 2012 for searching contrabands concealed inside the rectum of person in custody. The Unit then procured additional three sets of X-ray body scanner for the use of Tai Lam Centre for Women, Lo Wu Correctional Institution and Pik Uk Correctional Institution in 2014. Satisfactory outcome was seen. Radio Frequency Identification Technology (RFID) System was introduced for better managing staff accoutrements. RFID tags are attached to Oleoresin Capsicum foams, extendable truncheons and security key rings. When any staff accoutrement is carried by a staff passing through the RFID Security Gates upon leaving an institution, it will trigger off an alarm signal and prevent them from being carried out without authority. A total of 18 penal institutions will be installed with the System by mid-April in 2015. The first Human Presence Detection System to assist staff to prevent persons in custody from escape by hiding in vehicles was installed at Pik Uk Prison Laundry in January 2014. Another one will be procured for Stanley Prison in early 2015. The use of Unmanned Aircraft System (UAS) with video/photo capturing device is becoming popular nowadays. The Unit is studying on the application of UAS in our daily operations as well as clearing up those legal concerns in prohibiting unauthorised UAS from flying near penal institutions.
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