Although there are fewer people in Correctional Services Department custody, there are more seniors among them.
Delivering the department’s year-end review today, Commissioner of Correctional Services Yau Chi-chiu said 340 people aged 65 or above were admitted to correctional facilities in 2014, representing an 81.8% increase on 2005.
She said the trend reflects Hong Kong's aging population, adding the department improved Tai Lam Correctional Institution's facilities last year to cope with the demand.
Suitable jobs and activities are arranged for the elderly inmates, such as tai-chi and gardening.
There were 3,592 cases of violating prison discipline, with 567 involving violence, an 18.9% increase year-on-year. The cases mainly came from facilities in Hei Ling Chau, Lo Wu and Lai Chi Kok.
As some involved foreign inmates who speak a different language and have a different culture, the department will boost translation and psychological support services for them.
Mr Yau also said the department is undergoing a peak staff wastage period, and will recruit at least 50 Officers and 240 Assistant Officers in the coming year.
