'Smart' prisons to track inmates' every move

The Correctional Services Department is building "smart prisons" with the Hong Kong Science and Technology Parks to introduce new technologies including facial recognition systems to track inmates' whereabouts and sensors under hospital-bed mattresses to monitor their heartbeat.

The CSD signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU)yesterday to enhance cooperation for smart prison development.

The department said it and the HKSTP will explore innovative prison management methods over the next three years. The HKSTP will identify market-proven innovative solutions to address the operational challenges in prisons, it said. The MOU was signed by deputy commissioner Ng Chiu-kok and HKSTP chief executive Albert Wong.

The park will introduce multiple innovative trial projects into prisons, including the facial recognition system to track inmates using surveillance cameras, which can help correctional services officers manage prisoners, handle emergencies and investigate accidents.

The department will also install sensors under hospital mattresses for prisoners with medical needs so that they can monitor their health condition, including heartbeat and breathing rate, using contactless technology and follow up on abnormal situations in time.

The HKSTP will also arrange regular meetings and exchanges between the department and the innovation and technology industry to further explore collaboration opportunities.

"The framework also entails the setup of a 'penal lab' in correctional facilities, where tailor-made solutions by the innovation and technology industry can be tested in an actual operating environment, facilitating the trial implementation of innovation and technology products," the department said.

The Commissioner of Correctional Services, Wong Kwok-hing, said that the department has been firmly supporting the government's plan to build a smart city.

The department "has incorporated the 'smart prison' initiative into its strategic development plan, striving to modernize correctional facilities with the use of innovative technologies," he said.

Wong also said he had confidence in HKSTP's capabilities and experience, and the collaboration would lead to more "smart" proposals to strengthen the operations and service quality of the department.

The Secretary for Innovation, Technology and Industry, Sun Dong, said the cooperation had set a good example for all government departments to follow. The development of new technologies would be used in various departments in the future, bringing convenience to the public, he said.

HKSTP chairman Sunny Chai Ngai-chiu also said the park was pleased to cooperate with the department to further explore technology adoption in various areas.

"The HKSTP will continue to collaborate with park companies to incorporate smart elements for the modernization of correctional facilities, address operational needs of the CSD and challenges with innovative solutions, while providing innovation and technology companies with potential pilot production opportunities, creating win-win situations," he said.