MHA – Gangs in Prisons

It is well-known that people with gang affiliations would end up in prisons. It is also likely that gang members are recruited within prison walls.

10 years ago, our Prisons Dept implemented its Zero Tolerance Policy (ZTP) towards gangs in prisons, where those found to be engaging in gang activities would be charged, segregated and punished. In 2009, Gang Renunciation Programme (GRP) was added.

Under GRP, gang leaders and members who were assessed to be serious about leaving gangs would be prepared and facilitated to renounce their gang membership in front of the prison population. According to prison-released data, as at 30 Dec 2009, 80 inmates had gone through GRP and renounced their affiliations publicly.

I have come across academic papers where ground research has shown that certain gangs, like OMEGA, are still active in prisons, and active in recruiting members from within the prisons, often along racial lines.

I would like to ask the Ministry the following:

  1. Does Prisons keep track of gang activities within institutions?
  2. Are our Prisons fertile recruitment grounds for gangs?
  3. For those who have renounced their affiliations under GRP, what steps are taken to protect them from being hurt or victimised by other inmates or upon release?
  4. To what extent has gang affiliation caused recidivism in inmates upon release?