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.