"Smart Prison" in Hong Kong (PID016)

2pm – 2.30pm EDT, 26 October 2023 ‐ 30 mins

Workshop Session

In a bid to cope with the volatile and complex circumstances of correctional work, the HKCSD has been sparing no effort to study strategies to enhance the custodial environment to persons in custody. In light of this, the HKCSD rolled out a “Smart Prison” system in 2018, humanizing correctional facilities and process innovation by applying manifold innovative technologies, reviewing conventional workflow and continuing to introduce smart elements into various institutions by seizing the opportunities of facility improvement works.  It also aims at modernizing the operations of correctional facilities proactively with a view to enhancing the efficiency and security of custodial management.
 
The concept of “Smart Prison” mainly consists of four key elements, namely “Development of Smart Governance”, “Implementation of Process Innovation”, “Cultivating Knowledge-based Correctional Officers and Enhancing the Capacities of Rehabilitated Persons to Re-integrate into the Society” and “Application of Smart Prison Designs”. The aforementioned elements are comprehensive that they cover not only the “hardware”, for instance, the CCTV surveillance system embedded with real-time video analytic and facial recognition function and contactless technologies to monitor the vital signs of PICs with medical or nursing needs continuously, but also the “software” which “i-Hub” is set up for enhancing the knowledge of the correctional officers regarding the new technology.
 
With the aim of reducing the burdensome and labour-intensive daily work procedures of the staff, HKCSD will keep the ball rolling and enhance the operational efficiency of correctional institutions, thereby providing a humane, more secure and harmonious custodial environment for persons in custody.