April 15 of this year marks the 11th National Security Education Day and this year also marks the 6th anniversary of the promulgation and implementation of the Hong Kong National Security Law (HKNSL). During an interview with the media, the Commissioner of Correctional Services, Mr Wong Kwok-hing, stated that the Correctional Services Department (CSD) has been guarding the last element of the criminal justice system, with safeguarding national security and maintaining social stability as its key priorities.

The white paper titled “Hong Kong: Safeguarding China’s National Security Under the Framework of One Country, Two Systems” sets forth the unrelenting fight for safeguarding national security in Hong Kong. Mr Wong stated that the CSD has consistently adhered to bottom-line thinking, adopting a “pre-emptive” strategy to nip those thoughts or acts of persons in custody (PICs) that could endanger national security in the bud, thereby preventing any institutions from becoming a base for subversion against China and Hong Kong. Adhering to the principle that “laws are observed, strictly enforced and lawbreakers be held accountable”, the CSD adopts a “divide and rule” strategy to assess the risks posed by PICs. Those posing risks are managed separately to prevent them from building up and recruiting forces that could disrupt prison order or even endanger national security. Additionally, the CSD has strengthened intelligence collection and search operations, as well as enhancing the capabilities of its emergency response teams, to ensure the department can manage various situations and maintain a stable and secure custodial environment for PICs to reflect on their wrongdoings.

Furthermore, the CSD has extended the Project PATH designed for PICs to include supervisees after discharge, continuously promoting the three major rehabilitation directions of the project, namely understanding Chinese history and strengthening national education, psychological reconstruction and re-establishment of values, and life planning and rebuilding of family relationships, beyond the prison walls. Mr Wong emphasised that the project has a positive effect on national security, as rehabilitated offenders can share their experiences with others, from which the public can draw valuable lessons.

On community education, the CSD disseminates the messages of safeguarding our country and home, leading a law-abiding and drug-free life as well as supporting offender rehabilitation through the Correctional Services Pioneer Project (CSPP).

Last year, more than 39000 youth participants joined the various CSPP activities. Additionally, the CSD has produced an animation series and microfilms to convey messages about safeguarding national security, moral values and crime prevention to young people. Meanwhile, the CSD has arranged exchange activities in Chinese Mainland for young people, including internships in Huizhou and visits to Jiaxing City of Zhejiang Province, etc., to enable the younger generation to witness the country’s development, thereby strengthening their sense of national identity.

To mark the National Security Education Day, the CSD held an open day on April 11 at the Hong Kong Correctional Services Museum and the Community Education Experience Centre, featuring exhibitions, game booths, and other activities to demonstrate the importance of safeguarding national security and showcase the CSD’s efforts in this area of work.

On staff management, the CSD last year incorporated “safeguarding national security” and “patriotism” into its mission and values. Meanwhile, the department has earlier established a steering committee led by the Deputy Commissioner to coordinate patriotic education and national education for all staff. In line with the steering committee’s direction, the department has comprehensively planned and implemented a range of training and educational initiatives, and incorporated content such as the Constitution and the HKNSL into regular staff training. In addition, the CSD has organised activities such as thematic seminars and visits to the People’s Liberation Army Garrison’s Exhibition Centre to enhance staff members’ awareness of safeguarding national security.

The CSD emphasises “creating high-standard security in support of the high-quality development of the ‘One country, Two systems’ policy”. Mr Wong highlighted the department’s utilisation of innovative technologies to “enhance governance” such as the introduction of the Smart Health Sensing System, the Robotic Dog Patrol System, the Automatic Drone Patrol and Monitoring System 2.0 and the Approved Hand-in Articles e-Ordering Service into correctional facilities. These initiatives aim to strengthen institutional security and enhance the CSD’s public services. The department has also signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the Hong Kong Science and Technology Parks Corporation to identify technology companies to develop new technologies tailored to the CSD’s operational environment.