The Correctional Services Department today said it has decided to reject an inmate’s application for a leave of absence to attend a funeral to protect the safety of correctional officers, the person in custody (PIC) concerned and members of the public.

In a statement responding to an Apple Daily report about the department’s rejection of the leave application, the department said it will offer to arrange for the PIC to participate in the funeral through visual means.

The department reiterated that it upholds the principle of equality and handles applications for leave of absences from all people in custody in accordance with the existing security mechanism.

According to the Prison Rules, the department considers different security factors in considering such applications, such as the offence or offences committed by the PIC, security risks, escort routes and location safety.

Moreover, it was noted that the date, time and location of the funeral have been extensively reported on social media platforms recently, and there were calls on the Internet for showing support at the scene on the funeral day.

The department decided to reject the leave application after conducting a risk assessment.

It offered the deepest condolences to the PIC on the loss of a family member, and is willing to render assistance through other viable means.

As the department has been making the best efforts to develop the smart prison system, it decided to utilise visual transmission technology to enable funeral participation through visual means for the first time, for the PIC’s consideration.