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The Correctional Services Department's (CSD) emergency response on hostage-taking and arson was put to the test today (December 14) during an exercise in Pik Uk Correctional Institution.
Code-named Concord VIII, the half-day exercise tested the command and communication of the department during an emergency situation; the implementation of different levels of contingency plans, and the mobilisation of departmental-level response capability.
It also tested CSD's co-ordination with the Hong Kong Police Force (HKPF) and Fire Services Department (FSD), as both departments responded to requests for assistance.
More than 200 participants from CSD, HKPF and FSD took part in the exercise.
The exercise featured a scenario of a group of prisoners taking CSD staff hostage, setting a fire and attacking the hostages in protest against alleged mistreatment by CSD staff.
CSD's Assistant Commissioner (Operations), Mr Sin Yat-kin, took command of the whole operation at CSD Central Control Centre during the exercise.
Mr Sin said the exercise provided an opportunity for the department to test its readiness in emergency response, the correctness and timeliness of commands, as well as co-ordination and co-operation with relevant parties.
He noted that the exercise would enhance the response capabilities and confidence of frontline staff and inter-departmental communication in the event of a crisis.
"The efficiency of departmental contingency plans and co-ordination with other government departments will be assessed after the exercise,Ħħ he added.
CSD holds emergency exercises of a different nature and at different scales regularly, including institutional, regional and departmental exercises.
Ends/Friday, December 14, 2007
Issued at HKT 18:00
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