The Correctional Services Department (CSD) held a passing-out parade at the Hong Kong Correctional Services Academy today (November 24). The Chief Executive, Mr John Lee, reviewed the parade, marking the graduation of 128 Assistant Officers II.

     At the parade, the passing-out correctional officers first assembled to form the compass of the departmental crest during a foot drill demonstration, symbolising that they have clear goals and direction in serving the country and Hong Kong as well as the determination to guard the important line of defence of Hong Kong's criminal justice system.

     Speaking at the parade, Mr Lee pointed out that the fundamental premise of "one country, two systems" is to safeguard national sovereignty, security and development interests of the nation, whereas the CSD is one of the six disciplined services departments guarding Hong Kong and shares the important mission of safeguarding national security. He said that following the Central Government's decisive promulgation on the implementation of the Hong Kong National Security Law in 2020, Hong Kong has transitioned from chaos to order and resumed social stability, with the offenders concerned having been arrested, remanded and sentenced. Correctional officers have fearlessly prevented and combated illicit activities in correctional institutions, preventing prisons from being interfered by destabilising forces for subversion against China and Hong Kong.

     He also commended the CSD for its efforts in rehabilitation work, including the launch of a series of innovative activities such as Project PATH, assisting persons in custody (PICs) who had involved in serious offences and those with radical thoughts to rebuild positive values. In addition, the department has proactively reached out to promote anti-crime and community education work which includes a new community education activity, Rehabilitation Express, under which a promotion vehicle is arranged to visit primary schools to disseminate messages relating to national security, national education, crime prevention, anti-drug and support for rehabilitation. Moreover, the CSD has organised the Chinese Cultural Journey exchange programme, under which arrangements are made for Rehabilitation Pioneer Leaders to visit cities of the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area, with a view to enhancing young people's understanding of the development of the Greater Bay Area, and nurturing them into a new generation with an affection for the country and a global vision.

     Mr Lee also said that, in his Policy Address announced last month, there are several policy initiatives to be implemented by the CSD, including the establishment of the Ethics College for the provision of full-time education programmes for voluntary enrolment by adult PICs to help them develop good character and equip them for reintegration into society in future. Furthermore, the CSD will also set up parent-child centres in three correctional institutions for male offenders to strengthen their relationships with their families, thereby reinforcing their determination to rehabilitate.

     He encouraged the passing-out correctional officers to guide those who have gone astray back to the right path, and set clear goals and rise up to challenges with courage so that they will become a new generation of correctional officers who are strongly committed, highly disciplined and staunchly devoted to duties.

     During the parade, Mr Lee presented the Golden Whistle to six Assistant Officers II namely Mr Lau Kin-long, Ms Cheung Lai-yung, Mr Liu Chun-hei, Ms Jabriella Kwok, Ms Man Fung-yee and Mr Ng Chi-fai for their outstanding performance in the recruit training.

Ends/Friday, November 24, 2023
Issued at HKT 19:58

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