Lo Wu Correctional Institution and the staff quarters next to Lai Chi Kok Reception Centre will be redeveloped, offering 1,400 and 650 places to cope with the demand for penal places, Commissioner of Correctional Services Pang Sung-yuen says.

Mr Pang said the penal population remained high last year, although not as high as in 2004. At the end of last week, there were 11,372 prisoners, and just 11,052 penal places - a shortfall of 320 places. While the overall occupancy rate was 103%, at female institutions it was 170%.

Meanwhile, the methodology used to compile the rate of recidivism has also been fine-tuned. The new methodology does not count offences committed before an offender's current imprisonment as "re-offending".

The refined recidivism rate for both 1999 and 2000 was 46.6% and that for 2001 was 45.1%, compared with 49.5% (1999), 48.2% (2000) and 48.5% (2001).

Rehabilitation, reintegration a major task

Mr Pang stressed efforts in rehabilitative services aimed at better helping rehabilitated offenders get jobs and re-integrate into society is the department's major task.

A strong partnership has been built with the private sector through the "One Company, One Job" campaign, which helps rehabilitated offenders find jobs. The scheme will be extended to all 18 districts.

Last year, the department's rehabilitation volunteer group and the "Continuing Care Project" with non-governmental organisations took great strides in meeting the goal of helping rehabilitated offenders.

To cater for their employment needs, the department held practical training courses, including the popular certificate course on forklift truck operation. The department also teamed up with a group to offer young female inmates a seven-week facial beauty course.

Mr Pang said adult offenders are encouraged to pursue educational studies after work. Staff and volunteers will offer assistance.

On the vocational training front, the department continued a pilot programme at Lai Sun Correctional Institution in which vocational training is provided for rehabilitated adult offenders. Plans are in hand to convert the institution into a pre-release vocational training centre for adult offenders.