NCJ Number
154225
Journal
Key to Commonwealth Corrections Issue: 29 Dated: (Autumn 1994) Pages: 1-3
Date Published
1994
Length
3 pages
Annotation
Corrections officials in Hong Kong must recognize the reality that crime occurs in prisons and that corrections policies and programs sometimes unknowingly contribute to the problem.
Abstract
Assault, robbery, carrying weapons, theft, and, increasingly, drug law offenses are all too common in prisons. As in the outside world, crime in prison usually goes unreported and in any case may not result in arrest and charge or disciplinary measures. Factors that may increase crime in prisons include increased time out of the cell, the use of various types of temporary release, and moves toward more visits and better visiting conditions. To address these problems and the related problem of attempts by many inmates to deceive those in authority, corrections managers should avoid increasing time out of the cell unless the institution has enough staff to supervise and a reasonable proportion of that time can be spend in interesting and structured activities. More specific guidelines regarding temporary release, the provision of opportunities for personal development, and provision of adequate resources for correctional personnel and their training are among additional ways to address this issue.