Technical Assistance Projects

Hong Kong

The Correctional Service of Canada (CSC) began its working relationship with the Hong Kong Correctional Service Department (CSD) in 2001 when a Joint Annual Program of Work was developed and agreed upon. The CSC and CSD agreed to collaborate in a number of areas, including: the creation of a corrections E-forum; joint research initatives; a staff exchange program; and, regular visits among officials.

In July of 2002, the Corrections E-Forum was officially launched to facilitate smooth and rapid communication between the CSC and CSD. Numerous joint research projects have also been conducted since 2001, primarily focussing on methods of improving correctional and administrative practices and developing a risk and needs evaluation for Hong Kong offenders. A number of visits have occurred between the CSC and CSD, including a visit to Canada consisting of a clinical psychologist and principle correctional officer from Hong Kong in 2002 at the Addictions Research Centre in Montague, PEI. In addition, a visit to Hong Kong in the same year was made by the Director General of Research of CSC to participate in briefings, presentations and meetings regarding previous research conducted between CSC and CSD.

In 2002, CSC hosted Ms. Sylvia Chung from Hong Kong for a three month assignment geared at gaining practical administrative and operation experience in a variety of program areas. In return, a CSC staff member from the Quebec region, was posted to the Hong Kong CSD to aid in the development of an offender intake evaluation process. These staff exchanges were deemed a resounding success.

In November, 2002, the Hong Kong CSD museum was provided with a number of items to create a section on Canadian correctional practices and history for its grand opening. Some of those items were: a replica of the document approving the design of the current CSC coat of arms by Queen Elizabeth II and Commissioner Donald Yeomans from December, 1978; a 1952 copy of the Penitentiary Officers' Handbook; a copy of the 1899 Penitentiary Regulations Canada Handbook; a piece of hand-worked Kingston limestone used in the construction of the original perimeter wall of Kingston Penitentiary (1845); and, a 1930's postcard of a view of Kingston Penitentiary. As well, contributions provided by the Québec region include: badges, baseball caps and other articles with CSC insignia; offender made CSC wallets, portfolios and business card holders; and, a Correctional Officer Notebook.

In 2003, CSC hosted a six-month internship at the Addictions Research Centre in Montague, P.E.I. of two Hong Kong CSD psychologists who came to study various aspects of CSC's addictions programs and research processes. In addition, the Hong Kong CSD has sent a number of correctional staff to the CSC Correctional Management Learning Centre to participate in our Crisis Manager Training Program.

Please visit our Articles and Related Media page to view published articles on CSC's work with Hong Kong.