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The renovated Sha Tsui Correctional Institution (STCI) started receiving male Training Centre recall inmates today (June 29), under the Correctional Services Department's (CSD) institution regrouping project.
The Government published a notice in the Gazette on March 27 on the change of functions of Sha Tsui Detention Centre (STDC) at 35 Shek Pik Reservoir Road, Lantau Island, and renamed it to STCI with effect in mid-June.
Besides housing inmates from STDC, Sha Tsui Correctional Institution also accommodates young Training Centre recall inmates from Cape Collinson Correctional Institution (CCCI) and Pik Uk Correctional Institution (PUCI).
The department's Senior Superintendent (Penal Administration) Dr Kwan Ming-tak said, "with the change of functions, STCI provides a total of 228 penal places, including 158 for STDC and 70 for Training Centre."
He said the reshuffle would alleviate overcrowding in CCCI and PUCI, and enhance resource deployment to fully utilise resources of various correctional programmes.
"The renovation works not only provide an opportunity to refurbish the penal facilities, a new mechanical handcrafting workshop for vocational training has also been established."
"During implementation of the plan, the department carefully arranged and closely monitored the deployment of staff to ensure that there was adequate manpower for operational needs," he said.
Ends/Monday, June 29, 2009
Issued at HKT 17:14
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