If I had a blackboard, I would write the following one hundred times as penance: I will not tempt fate by making fun of Beijing’s air pollution and anyone suffering from a related upper-respiratory condition. I somehow angered the Gods of Irony last weekend. I wrote about Beijing’s “Airpocalypse” several times, then thought it would […]

The long-standing problem of prison overcrowding could be completely resolved by 2016.

This was the message from Commissioner of Correctional Services Sin Yat-kin, who delivered the Correctional Services Department year-end review today.

He said the average daily penal population in 2012 was 9,247, and the occupancy rate was 81%, representing a drop of 4% on the 9,658 inmates in 2011.

The overcrowding of reception centres seen in 2011 has been greatly relieved, he said, as the penal population has continued to decrease in recent years, and the department has reshuffled inmates.

The partial redevelopment of Tai Lam Centre for Women will be completed in 2016, and will provide 108 additional penal places and improved facilities.

"It is expected that the long-standing problem of prison overcrowding can be completely resolved by that time."

There were 3,362 disciplinary cases in penal institutions in 2012, with 2,315 people in custody for violating prison discipline. Among them, 229 breached discipline three times or more, while the number of times inmates were disciplined for being involved in gambling-related activities was 146. The number of drug seizures in penal institutions was 158, up 26%.

The first X-ray body scanner was put on trial at Lai Chi Kok Reception Centre at the end of last year, to strengthen security and prevent smuggling. During the trial, 1,451 people in custody were searched, and three had concealed contraband in their body. The new scanner was put into full use at the centre on January 28.

The department will install the scanners in Pik Uk Correctional Institution, Lo Wu Correctional Institution, and Tai Lam Centre for Women.

The Urine Specimen Collection Centre, adjacent to Lai Chi Kok Reception Centre, will launch in the first half of this year, to improve testing arrangements. It will be equipped with video facilities to record the collection process and ensure compliance with stipulated procedures.

To help inmates reintegrate into society after release, the department has provided a total of 1,474 training places for soon-to-be discharged people in custody, representing an increase of 10.5% on the previous year.

The department will collaborate with the Construction Industry Council to introduce the Timber Formwork Skill Course and the Bar Bender & Fixer Skill Course this year, in response to manpower demand in the construction industry.

The Marine Department and Police have reminded vessel owners and operators to adhere to marine traffic control and safety measures for the Lunar New Year fireworks display above Victoria Harbour on February 11.

Senior Marine Officer (Harbour Patrol Section) Ivan Shuen told the media today the department will check spectator vessels to ensure there are sufficient life-saving appliances on board, that children are wearing lifejackets, and that coxswains have a passenger and crew list on board.

Inspectors will direct the person in charge of any vessel failing such requirements to take remedial action, and if they fail to comply, the department will prohibit the vessel from departing and consider prosecution.

Mr Shuen said an area in the waters off the Convention & Exhibition Centre in Wan Chai will be closed off, where barges for the fireworks display will be anchored at 2pm, and no vessels will be allowed to enter.

A restricted area will be established in the central harbour from 7pm to 9.15pm, where no vessels, other than ferry vessels permitted to continue services until 7.30pm, will be allowed to enter until after the display.

Mr Shuen said marine officers and Police will strengthen inspections on speeding and overloading, and maintain order at major landing facilities after the fireworks display.

Police Marine Harbour Division Assistant Divisional Commander (Operations) Oei Jack-hsin urged vessel operators to observe harbour speed limits.

"All operators and crew of spectator vessels are reminded to pay attention to the communication equipment on board, and Police and Marine Department instructions."

Police have arrested a taxi driver after his car hit two pedestrians and killed one of them in northern Lantau.

The accident occurred at a taxi stand near Fantasy Road at about 2.50pm today.

A 61-year-old man and a 56-year-old man were sent to Princess Margaret Hospital, where the older man later died.

The 59-year-old taxi driver was arrested for dangerous driving.

Witness should call the Police on 3661 1300 or 3661 1348.