Hong Kong – CSD clarifies unfounded remarks made by individual member of public

     In response to unfounded remarks made by a member of the public through the media today (July 27) on the treatment of persons in custody, the Correctional Services Department (CSD) made the following clarifications to set the record straight:

     The CSD is committed to ensuring a secure, safe, humane, decent and healthy custodial environment and has been continuously taking various measures to improve the custodial environment, including air ventilation in the institutions. Apart from the regular replacement of fans, the CSD has additionally installed different types of fans, including high power industrial fans and anti-suicide cell safety fans at different institutions according to the genuine needs. New-style gates and windows are also installed progressively to improve air ventilation. 

     Moreover, the CSD also allows persons in custody to purchase ice cooling towels and hand fans. For security reasons, the CSD will not allow persons in custody to purchase antipyretic paste.

     The CSD arranges daily exercise for persons in custody in accordance with the law, except for those exempted by the Medical Officer for health reason. Besides, the CSD also arranges persons in custody to take daily shower at different time slots with regard to the operations of the institutions. There is no restriction that a shower should be completed within 10 minutes.

     Generally speaking, the CSD switches off lighting devices in cells during the bedtime of persons in custody. Nevertheless, having regard to the actual operational needs of the institution, appropriate illumination will be maintained in individual cells at night to ensure that the health conditions of person in custody can be effectively monitored by correctional officers. 

     The CSD condemns the individual member of the public for making unfounded remarks to smear the department.