Envision a facility. This is Tai Tam Gap Correctional Institution. It stands as a minimum-security detention center. But it is more than just walls and bars. It is a place of transitions and transformations.
Tai Tam Gap Correctional Institution has a history of openings and closings. It first opened its doors on May 1, 1980. Then it closed on May 28, 2008. It reopened on March 26, 2014. After that it closed again on June 6, 2018. On May 28, 2021, it was recommissioned. It became a detention center for immigration detainees.
Now, Tai Tam Gap Correctional Institution houses adult male detainees. These detainees are under the provisions of the Immigration Ordinance. The facility can hold 160 detainees. As of February 28, 2022, it held 111.
In 2020, plans were set in motion. Tai Tam Gap Correctional Institution would become a “smart prison.” As part of this initiative, detainees wear wristbands. These wristbands collect biometric data. Heart rate, location, and movement are tracked.
Tai Tam Gap Correctional Institution is not run by the Immigration Department. The Hong Kong Correctional Services manages it. This differs from other immigration detention facilities. The government has stated a reason for this. Detainees at Tai Tam Gap pose “security risks.”
Life inside Tai Tam Gap Correctional Institution follows a strict routine. In August 2021, some detainees acted out. They were unhappy with custodial arrangements. They disliked obeying institutional orders. Two detainees refused to line up. They provoked officers and shouted. They tried to incite others. Twelve detainees were investigated. They were placed in separate confinement.
Social visits are allowed. The Correctional Services Department offers an e-Booking Service. Registered users can book visits online. Bookings can be made up to 7 days in advance. Visitors can also change or cancel appointments. The department also has an Approved Hand-in Articles e-Ordering Service. People can buy approved items online for those in custody. The items are delivered directly to the institution.
Visiting hours are from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. and 2:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. Visits are allowed Monday to Sunday, including public holidays. Visitors should not arrive early. They must register 30 minutes before visiting hours end. No more than two visitors are allowed at a time. Visits last fifteen minutes.
Tai Tam Gap Correctional Institution also allows official visits. The department offers an Official Visit e-Booking System. Registered users can book online. They can book up to 7 days in advance. Visiting hours are from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. These visits are also allowed Monday to Sunday, including public holidays.
Food is provided by licensed restaurants. Detainees can procure food. They can also receive it. Interested parties can apply to become a Private Food Supplier.
Tai Tam Gap Correctional Institution stands as a place of detention. It also embodies Hong Kong’s commitment. This commitment is to manage immigration detainees. It balances security with humane treatment. The “smart prison” initiative marks a new chapter. Technology aims to improve management and security. Yet the core mission remains. It is the safe and lawful detention of individuals.