The Safeguarding National Security Ordinance has come into effect on March 23. Implementing the constitutional duty and requirements for safeguarding national security set out in Article 23 of the Basic Law represents a very important step to establish the legal system and enforcement mechanisms for the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region to safeguard national security. The Correctional Services Department (CSD) will ensure the effective implementation of the ordinances, so as to safeguard national security. The CSD, as the last element in the criminal justice system, will continue to ensure prison stability and prevent anyone in prison from organising or nurturing power to oppose the Central Authorities and stir up disorder in society, in an effort to safeguard national sovereignty.

The Correctional Services Department (CSD) held a passing-out parade at the Hong Kong Correctional Services Academy on March 22. The Chairman of the Legislative Council (LegCo) Panel on Security, Mr Chan Hak-kan, reviewed the parade, marking the graduation of 42 Officers and 81 Assistant Officers II.

At the parade, the CSD Guard of Honour and passing-out correctional officers assembled to form the two Chinese characters of "correction" and "rehabilitation" during a foot drill demonstration, symbolising that they will take on the challenges ahead with courage, continue to support the Department's principle of placing dual emphasis on safe custody and rehabilitation and assist persons in custody (PICs) to get back on the right track. They then assembled to form a shield pattern incorporated with the number "23", symbolising that the Safeguarding National Security Ordinance can safeguard the country and protect Hong Kong like a shield, while correctional officers are strongly committed to ensuring the effective implementation of the Ordinance, so as to protect national security.

Speaking at the parade, Mr Chan mentioned that the redevelopment of the Lai Chi Kok Reception Centre, which has successfully secured funding approval from the LegCo Finance Committee, would give solid support for the CSD's future development to cater for the increasing remand penal population in recent years. Besides, he witnessed the remarkable achievements of the CSD in rehabilitation work, which launched a series of new initiatives on rehabilitation such as launching the Social Visit e-Booking Service, setting up the Ethics College at Pak Sha Wan Correctional Institution and Lo Wu Correctional Institution for adult PICs, etc. These measures are widely recognised by the community.

Praising the CSD's community education work, Mr Chan said that the department has organised a wide variety of diversified community education activities under the Rehabilitation Pioneer Project to disseminate to young people the messages of safeguarding the country and home, leading a law-abiding and drug-free life as well as supporting offender rehabilitation. In addition, the CSD has organised the Chinese Cultural Journey exchange programme last year, under which arrangements are made for trainees of its youth uniformed group, the Rehabilitation Pioneer Leaders, to visit cities of the Greater Bay Area, with a view to nurturing them into a new generation of young people with an affection for the country and a global vision.

Mr Chan encouraged the passing-out correctional officers to stay united, display good team spirit and rise to challenges in the face of difficulties and adversities, guarding the last element of Hong Kong's criminal justice system.