NCJ Number
74337
Date Published
1980
Length
8 pages
Annotation
Alternatives to prisons and their effect on the penal system of Hong Kong are discussed.
Abstract
The criminal justice system in Hong Kong allows a court to pass sentences other than imprisonment on offenders. These alternatives to imprisonment can be divided into two major categories -- nonresidential and residential. Nonresidential treatment includes awarding a suspended sentence, ordering the offenders to pay a fine, be conditionally discharged, caned, placed on probation or under police supervision. Another alternative for offenders is to undergo a period of residential treatment in an institution such as a remand home, a boy's or girl's home, reformatory school, detention center, training center, drug addiction treatment center, or psychiatric hospital. Alternatives to imprisonment have directly affected the management of prisons. The fact that certain offenders are not imprisoned enables prison management to devote supervisory manpower and other resources towards the confinement, classification, care and rehabilitation of those who must be imprisoned for the benefit and protection of society. It also allows for the rational management of prisons without the burden of severe overcrowding and its associated problems of security, health and discipline. Residential alternatives also enable the authority to frequently review and improve the existing correctional system.