The Appellant

Once found guilty and having been sentenced, everyone has the right to appeal and while they are awaiting appeal they are called an appellant. They can appeal against conviction or they can appeal against sentence. They are treated as a prisoner because they have been found guilty in a court of law.

Remands and appellants are usually kept in Lai Chi Kok Reception Centre(Men), Pik Uk Correctional Institution (Young men and boys) Tai Lam Centre for Women (Women) Tai Tam Gap Correctional Institution (Young women and girls).

The First Days As A Prisoner

Suddenly the door is closed on freedom. One can no longer telephone the friend to say you cannot meet them as planned, collect your dry cleaning, or pay your rent. Everything becomes controlled even what you have in your pocket. You suddenly find that you have nothing left. On arrival in a new institution a prisoner is given a small booklet giving information on prison life, the rules and their rights. They are kept in what is known as the ‘induction unit’ for about a week where they are supposed to learn about the prison and what is expected of them etc. After this week they are assigned a job and if they are young offender they will study for a part of each day. Someone in prison for the first time is called a ‘Star’ prisoner and is kept separate from the one who has been imprisoned several times, ‘a recidivist’.

For more information about their work and education please turn to Section 5 entitled “The Correctional Services Department”.

Remission

A prisoner with a sentence of more than 30 days (except for those with life sentences) are automatically allowed a remission of one third of their sentence for good behaviour.

What Happens If The Prisoner Breaks The Rules?

Any prisoner who breaks the rules can be ‘put on report’ by a member of staff. The Superintendent then goes into the matter and decides what punishment. If any, should be administered. Some of the options are as follows: Loss of privileges, Loss of Earnings, Separate Confinement or Loss of Remission.

Going through the Criminal Justice System has been described as a “Status Degradation Ceremony”. One is treated as someone who is no longer an acceptable human being. Our job is to get across to the prisoner that they are acceptable though their crime may be totally unacceptable at least they are acceptable to us and we represent a part of society. We care for them and enjoy their friendship. One meets amazingly interesting and varied people in prison and mostly one has really fascinating and in-depth conversations. There is often a tremendous amount to like, admire and respect in the people we visit. One encounters a lack of superficiality, a quality of searching and openness about their past and present struggles. Most visits though tiring, because they require total concentration and sensitivity, are very enjoyable. Visitors often express the view that they probably gain more from the relationship than the prisoner. It can be a most enjoyable, interesting, heartwarming and valuable experience. One is sharing deeply on a personal level and as your friend shares with you his inner thoughts and feelings he is giving you the gift of himself. Please handle this GIFT with great care.