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Deputy Commissioner of Correctional Services Mr Ying Kwok-ching today (January 16) officiated at the Passing-out and Deputy Commissioner's Farewell Parade. He inspected 24 Correctional Officers and 166 Correctional Assistant Officers II who completed their training courses lasting from 23 to 26 weeks.
Following is the speech by Mr Ying(English translation):
All passing-out recruits, guests, colleagues, ladies and gentlemen,
Today¡¯s passing-out parade symbolises the hard work and efforts that all passing-out recruits¡¯ have put in during the now completed training which is equally demanding and arduous. Just like me 34 years ago, you have chosen a challenging and meaningful job. I am here to remind you that not only should you duly put into practice what you have learnt in training, but also strive continuously towards new progress and equip yourself in line with the development needs of the department and society. I firmly believe that with an upright heart and commitment to shoulder great responsibilities, you shall complete the mission of both punishment and correction of offenders, contributing to the peace and stability of Hong Kong.
The work of the Correctional Services Department, in a nutshell, starts with the first day when a sentenced prisoner is admitted to a penal institution, whereby we help him rebuild a routine and healthy work-and-rest lifestyle. Besides, based on a disciplined and ordered daily schedule, an inmate is provided with a suitable rehabilitation programme among different ones in a bid to turn him/her into a dauntless, self-respected and law-abiding citizen who will respect and get on well with others. Moreover, we also help him/her equip himself/herself and develop his/her potentials so as to reintegrate into society. This is what the quality custodial service and comprehensive rehabilitation provided by the department are about. What is left to be done is the prisoner¡¯s determination to start afresh and acceptance and support of the community. All these factors affect the effectiveness of offenders¡¯ rehabilitation as a whole.
Recently, the department has endeavoured to build a partnership with various sectors of the community to hold publicity and educational activities aiming at helping rehabilitated offenders back to society. At present there are more than 60 non-government and religious organisations providing services for rehabilitated offenders in cooperation with the department. With such strong participation in and support for offenders¡¯ rehabilitation given by different social sectors, the Correctional Services Department of Hong Kong has emerged as a leader in the promotion of rehabilitation concepts for offenders.
Having a clear-cut penal system, together with the recognition and support from the community, the department has strived for excellence to become an internationally praised penal organisation. Time really flies, and I am about to leave the department which I have served for more than a third of a century. I greatly admire the strong support from the community for our mission and my fellow colleagues¡¯ dedication to their work. I trust that with the excellent leadership of the Commissioner, the department will tackle every challenge successfully while advancing steadily towards a brighter future.
Last but not least, I wish all passing-out recruits, colleagues and guests every success and healthy in the days to come. Thank you very much.
Ends/Friday, January 16, 2009
Issued at HKT 17:14
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