We are creating some awesome events for you. Kindly bear with us.

Hong Kong govt testing hi-tech monitoring systems for ‘smart’ prisons

According to a recent report, Hong Kong prisons are testing a variety of high-tech services that will allow correctional facilities to better track inmates.

The city’s Commissioner of Correctional Services claimed that the new services will be used to monitor for abnormal behaviour among the incarcerated, prevent self-harm, and operate the prisons more efficiently.

It was also noted that The Correctional Services Department of Hong Kong strives to enhance the efficiency of custodial operations and security of correctional institutions through the application of innovation and technology, while protecting the safety of officers and persons in custody, according to a report.

The “smart prison” initiative includes strapping inmates with fitness tracker-style wristbands that monitor location and activity, including heart rate. Some facilities will also start to use video surveillance systems that can identify any unusual behaviour, fights and attempts to inflict harm on one’s self.

Another report notes that the wristband, which will be tested at the Lo Wu Correctional Institution, would help officers to prevent suicides.

The number of self-harm cases dropped from 99 in 2017 to 48 last year, the commissioner said two inmates committed suicide in 2018.

Correctional institutions had an average daily population of 8,303 last year, down from 8,529 in 2017.

The wristband, which is similar to fitness products sold on the market, will allow officers to monitor an inmate’s heart rate and whereabouts in real time, the report notes.

If the pulse is irregular, the staff will be alerted. The alarm will also be triggered if an inmate tries to remove the wristband, the alarm will also be triggered.

In addition, the department is also testing a video surveillance system that can detect abnormal behaviour, such as self-harming acts, fighting and if an inmate has collapsed.

The system is being tested at four dormitories at Pik Uk Prison in the New Territories. According to Senior Superintendent, 12 security cameras are installed in a dormitory, including two in the toilet.

Should a prisoner act abnormally, an alarm will sound in the monitoring station, prompting officers to check the dormitory.

Correctional Services is also testing robots that will be used to search for drugs in faecal matter. The robots reportedly cost about US$125,000.

According to another report, convicts frequently overdose from drugs smuggled in, get into brutal brawls and feuds, and even commit suicide. Thus, the measures aim to ensure inmate safety and increase efficiency.

However, these new technological measures have garnered criticism, with reports noting that while the programs are being positioned as an attempt to keep inmates safe, the new smart programs likely feel invasive for the incarcerated who are being subject to them.

It was noted that the video surveillance system includes placing cameras in bathrooms, and the tracking wristbands place inmates under permanent watch of guards even when they aren’t in front of a camera.

However, overall, the Government appears to expect great results from the technology. The hi-tech new gear and software will make guards’ jobs more pleasant and help keep prisoners safe from each other and themselves.

Another report noted that the “Smart Prison” concept was first raised by the city’s Chief Executive in her Policy Address in October 2018.

In the Policy address the CE noted that to cope with the rising challenges on law enforcement brought about by technological development, the Government would adopt a four-pronged strategy covering “application”, “research and development”, “analysis” and “fortification” of I&T to enhance the capabilities of law enforcement agencies.

“Application” includes developing smart prisons, smart customs clearance and law enforcement, as well as using technology to enhance services of the Immigration Department.

“Research and development” and “analysis” include strengthening R&D on technologies for government security, combating crimes and enhancing the analytical capabilities for digital and forensic evidence.

“Fortification” includes fortifying cybersecurity and using big data analysis to enhance fire safety strategies.

PARTNER

Qlik’s vision is a data-literate world, where everyone can use data and analytics to improve decision-making and solve their most challenging problems. A private company, Qlik offers real-time data integration and analytics solutions, powered by Qlik Cloud, to close the gaps between data, insights and action. By transforming data into Active Intelligence, businesses can drive better decisions, improve revenue and profitability, and optimize customer relationships. Qlik serves more than 38,000 active customers in over 100 countries.

PARTNER

CTC Global Singapore, a premier end-to-end IT solutions provider, is a fully owned subsidiary of ITOCHU Techno-Solutions Corporation (CTC) and ITOCHU Corporation.

Since 1972, CTC has established itself as one of the country’s top IT solutions providers. With 50 years of experience, headed by an experienced management team and staffed by over 200 qualified IT professionals, we support organizations with integrated IT solutions expertise in Autonomous IT, Cyber Security, Digital Transformation, Enterprise Cloud Infrastructure, Workplace Modernization and Professional Services.

Well-known for our strengths in system integration and consultation, CTC Global proves to be the preferred IT outsourcing destination for organizations all over Singapore today.

PARTNER

Planview has one mission: to build the future of connected work. Our solutions enable organizations to connect the business from ideas to impact, empowering companies to accelerate the achievement of what matters most. Planview’s full spectrum of Portfolio Management and Work Management solutions creates an organizational focus on the strategic outcomes that matter and empowers teams to deliver their best work, no matter how they work. The comprehensive Planview platform and enterprise success model enables customers to deliver innovative, competitive products, services, and customer experiences. Headquartered in Austin, Texas, with locations around the world, Planview has more than 1,300 employees supporting 4,500 customers and 2.6 million users worldwide. For more information, visit www.planview.com.

SUPPORTING ORGANISATION

SIRIM is a premier industrial research and technology organisation in Malaysia, wholly-owned by the Minister​ of Finance Incorporated. With over forty years of experience and expertise, SIRIM is mandated as the machinery for research and technology development, and the national champion of quality. SIRIM has always played a major role in the development of the country’s private sector. By tapping into our expertise and knowledge base, we focus on developing new technologies and improvements in the manufacturing, technology and services sectors. We nurture Small Medium Enterprises (SME) growth with solutions for technology penetration and upgrading, making it an ideal technology partner for SMEs.

PARTNER

HashiCorp provides infrastructure automation software for multi-cloud environments, enabling enterprises to unlock a common cloud operating model to provision, secure, connect, and run any application on any infrastructure. HashiCorp tools allow organizations to deliver applications faster by helping enterprises transition from manual processes and ITIL practices to self-service automation and DevOps practices. 

PARTNER

IBM is a leading global hybrid cloud and AI, and business services provider. We help clients in more than 175 countries capitalize on insights from their data, streamline business processes, reduce costs and gain the competitive edge in their industries. Nearly 3,000 government and corporate entities in critical infrastructure areas such as financial services, telecommunications and healthcare rely on IBM’s hybrid cloud platform and Red Hat OpenShift to affect their digital transformations quickly, efficiently and securely. IBM’s breakthrough innovations in AI, quantum computing, industry-specific cloud solutions and business services deliver open and flexible options to our clients. All of this is backed by IBM’s legendary commitment to trust, transparency, responsibility, inclusivity and service.

Send this to a friend