The Correctional Services Department today announced the full implementation of the Video Visit e-Booking Service, which offers an additional way of paying visits to persons in custody (PICs).

The department introduced a trial run of the video visit service at different correctional institutions in phases from November 11, and received a positive response.

Starting from today, declared PIC visitors can make bookings for video visits through the department’s General Visit e-Services Platform. This service is open only to declared PIC visitors who have a registered account on the platform.

Visitors can make bookings for the next seven days at any of the five Multi-purpose Family & Rehabilitation Service Centres in Mong Kok, Shau Kei Wan, Sheung Shui, Tuen Mun and Sha Tin, or at the Lai Chi Kok Video Visit Centre.

They can also use an e-ordering service to buy approved “hand-in” articles for prisoners, meaning they do not have to physically visit shops or carry items into correctional institutions themselves.

The CSD added that the video visit service aims to bring convenience to the public, and that visitors can still visit correctional institutions in person according to their needs.