Performance review: Commissioner of Correctional Services Kwok Leung-ming reviews his department's work in 2008.

Commissioner of Correctional Services Kwok Leung-ming says his department has initiated an organisational change to the Correctional Services Industries to improve the effectiveness of its rehabilitative services.

Reviewing the work of the department today, Mr Kwok said the section has changed its name to Industries & Vocational Training Section since February 2. The changes will strengthen its role and enrich its functions which can facilitate better integration and co-ordination between industrial operations and vocational training activities.

"This new section is now detached from the Operations Division and put under the Rehabilitation Division. The Assistant Commissioner (Rehabilitation) will play a leading role in policy formulation and development planning for the section, while the General Manager will be responsible for the overall management of operations," Mr Kwok said.

Risk assessment

In line with the implementation of a new phase in the department's Risks & Needs Assessment and Management Protocol for Offenders, Mr Kwok said further work has been done to lower the risk of repeat offences and to better meet the rehabilitative needs of offenders.

"Assessment has been extended to all local prisoners with a sentence of two years or above, and programmes for offenders both during incarceration and after their release have been enhanced."

On the prison development plan Mr Kwok said work has been underway on developing a number of institutions throughout Hong Kong. Lai King Correctional Institution, formerly the Lai King Training Centre for young male offenders, began to receive young female offenders in May after renovation.

Institution redevelopment

"This move is to swap the roles of Lai King Correctional Institution and Tai Tam Gap Correctional Institution to improve the efficiency of our young offender institutions and enhance resource deployment in training centres for young offenders."

An extension to Block E of Lai Chi Kok Reception Centre has been completed, providing an additional 144 penal places.