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Appealing for community acceptance and support for rehabilitated offenders has become one of the key tasks in the rehabilitative services of the Correctional Services Department (CSD) in recent years, while the ultimate aim of the CSD's work is to reform offenders in preparation for their reintegration into society.
The Commissioner of Correctional Services, Mr Pang Sung-yuen, today (May 25) made the above remarks at the launch of a new television documentary-drama series﷿ "Road Back IV" focusing on rehabilitated offenders.
The six-episode "Road Back IV" series, jointly presented by the CSD and Radio Television Hong Kong (RTHK), is scheduled for telecast at 7.05pm for six consecutive Saturdays, beginning on May 27 and running until July 1.
Mr Pang pointed out that unlike the previous three, the main figures in this series were rehabilitated offenders. They were striving for community acceptance and their successful integration into the community.
The CSD, in collaboration with RTHK, produced three 10-episode TV docu-drama series in 2000, 2002 and 2004 and all of them were well-received.
The first "Road Back" series was awarded the Silver Award for Best Television Programmes and the New Television Programme Award in 2000. The second series in 2002 was awarded the Gold Award in Entertainment Programme and Silver in the Best Television Programmes Award; while the third series in 2004 was awarded the Gold Remi Award at The Houston International Film Festival and the Bronze Plaque in the 53rd Columbus International Film & Video Festival.
"The CSD has been in consistent collaboration with relevant voluntary agencies for the provision of timely and comprehensive rehabilitation services to prisoners and inmates. This will allow rehabilitated offenders the best opportunities to lead a new life, thus reduce the recidivism rate and safeguard security for the interests of the community."
Mr Pang stressed that apart from the efforts of rehabilitated offenders, their successful integration into the community depended on the keen support of their friends, relatives, colleagues, peer group and the public.
Also taking part in today's launch ceremony were the Assistant Director of Broadcasting, Mr Cheung Man-sun; Chairman of the Committee on Community Support for Rehabilitated Offenders, Mr Billy Kong; Chairman of the Yuen Yuen Institute, Mr Tong Wai-ki; representatives of non-government organisations and entertainers Miss Vivian Yip, Mr Alex Fong and Mr Danny Summer.
Ends/Thursday, May 25, 2006
Issued at HKT 18:00
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