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The Correctional Services Department (CSD) is committed to providing quality custodial and rehabilitative services, while striking the right balance between safeguarding prison security and maintaining prisoners' privacy, a spokesperson for the department said today (July 17).
The comments followed a peaceful demonstration by a member of the public today outside Wanchai Tower in which the department's headquarters is located.
The spokesperson said: "We appreciate his tribute to the staff of Pik Uk Prison, and welcome his commendation on the vocational training programme we provide to pre-release prisoners.
"The Prisons Ordinance and its subsidiary legislation govern the regulation and management of penal establishments in Hong Kong. CSD has taken full account of the United Nations Standard Minimum Rules for the Treatment of Prisoners in supervising and caring for inmates.
"The design of all toilets in cells/dormitories inside prisons is semi-concealing, which also balances the requirement of security and direct supervision. While CSD provides basic necessities for prisoners including bedding with blankets, pillows, bed sheets and mats, mattresses are not in the standard provisions except for the hospital beds in the centre hospital or on a medical officer's advice."
Ends/Monday, July 17, 2006
Issued at HKT 17:56
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