CE officiates at launching ceremony of “Smart Prison” (with photos)
The Chief Executive, Mrs Carrie Lam, accompanied by the Commissioner of Correctional Services, Mr Woo Ying-ming, officiated at the launching ceremony of the first-generation “Smart Prison” at Tai Tam Gap Correctional Institution (TGCI) of the Correctional Services Department (CSD) today (May 22).
Speaking at the ceremony, Mrs Lam said that the CSD has kept abreast of the times. To build an integrated and sustainable correctional system, the department formulated a Strategic Plan in 2018 to promote the modernisation of correctional facilities through the development of the “Smart Prison” protocol. The CSD started renovation works at TGCI in 2019 to convert it into the first “Smart Prison” in Hong Kong.
This year marks the 100th anniversary of the establishment of the CSD. Mrs Lam took the opportunity to express gratitude to correctional officers for their dedication over the years to uphold the rule of law and guard the last element of Hong Kong’s criminal justice system.
After the ceremony, Mrs Lam and other guests were briefed by Mr Woo on the application of various technologies in the daily management and security aspects of TGCI to enhance operational efficiency and promote humanised management.
The “Smart Prison” comprises four major systems, namely the Security and Monitoring System, the Operation and Management System, the Persons in Custody Self-management System and the Staff Capacity Enhancement System. Over the past three years, the CSD, with the assistance of different stakeholders including the Electrical and Mechanical Services Department, the Architectural Services Department and the Office of the Government Chief Information Officer, has conducted more than 40 trial technology projects covering different areas in various correctional institutions. Positive results have been achieved in various fields such as the Video Analytic Monitoring Function, the Robotic Monitoring Function, the Movement and Location Monitoring Function and the Integrated Intelligent Communication System.
In light of the test results of different trial technology projects, the department has integrated multiple systems to create a brand new management model for TGCI, having regard to its geographical environment and operational needs. The conversion project at TGCI has provided valuable experience and laid a good foundation for the long-term development of “Smart Prison” projects in future. The CSD will continue to actively explore and develop different technology projects, continuously adding smart elements to modernise facilities and adopting humanised management, with a view to improving the working environment of correctional officers and reducing the burdensome and labour-intensive daily work procedures of the staff so as to enhance the operational efficiency of correctional institutions, thereby providing a safer, more secure and harmonious custodial environment.
Other guests at the launching ceremony included the Secretary for Security, Mr John Lee; the Director of Immigration, Mr Au Ka-wang; the Chairman of the Legislative Council Panel on Security, Mr Chan Hak-kan; the Government Chief Information Officer, Mr Victor Lam; the Director of Electrical and Mechanical Services, Mr Pang Yiu-hung; the Director of Architectural Services, Ms Winnie Ho; the Executive Director of the Hong Kong Productivity Council, Mr Mohamed Butt; and rehabilitation synergistic partners.
TGCI was a minimum security institution before renovation. The institution will be used for the detention of non-refoulement claimants when it resumes operation.
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