舊式的囚室開關都用鎖匙人手操作。但自2014年2月開始，羅湖懲教所採用了全新的「電鎖保安系統」後，開關囚室已不再需要鎖匙了。

這套無匙「電鎖保安系統」由懲教署和機電工程署共同設計，集監控、記錄和身份認證等多項功能於一身，大大提升了羅湖懲教所的運作效率，並加強出入院所的監控工作。

新系統的電動門鎖，配合閉路電視和數碼通訊系統運作，以核實職員身份。懲教署值班同事可在控制室內按一下按鈕，就能控制所有囚室門的開關。職員毋須再往返控制室提取鎖匙，可以更快速到達事故現場進行支援，而減省的距離有時可多達數百米。新系統可以大幅減省行事的反應時間，尤其在緊急情況下更為重要。

這套「電鎖保安系統」，更榮獲由政府資訊科技總監辦公室和香港工程師學會合辦的「2014香港資訊及通訊科技獎」之「最佳創新（企業創新）特別嘉許」獎。

機電工程署事事以客為先，在系統設計過程中，我們積極協助懲教署整合新和舊的保安系統，使彼此相輔相承。懲教署高級監督（工程及策劃）鍾子綸女士高度讚揚我們專業和完善的機電工程服務。她說：「機電工程署的全面支援，幫助我們維持每天的正常運作，從沒間斷。」

懲教署需要無間斷、可靠的24小時支援服務，鍾女士的讚賞更突顯了我們在客戶場地提供高質素服務的能力。贏得獎項，並同時得到專業機構和客戶的認可，是項目團隊獲得的額外收穫。


Keyless Access Steps Up Security

In the old days, all cell doors were operated manually by prison officers with keys. Ever since February 2014 when the Electric Locks Security System (ELSS) came into operation, keys are no longer required for locking or unlocking cell doors at the Lo Wu Correctional Institution (LWCI).

ELSS, a keyless security system jointly designed by Correctional Services Department (CSD) and EMSD, integrating different functions of monitoring, operation, recording and personnel authentication, has greatly improved operation efficiency and strengthened access control for LWCI.

With CCTV cameras, digital communication system and the new e-lock system in place for identity verification, CSD duty officers can now operate cell doors from the control room with simply a push of buttons. Most importantly, the new system has greatly reduced response time which is critical especially in an emergency situation. The responding officer no longer has to walk to and fro between the location of an incident and the control room where the keys were kept, the total distance of which may be up to several hundred metres.

The ELSS has been awarded the "Best Innovation (Entrepreneurial Innovation) Special Mention" of The Hong Kong ICT Awards 2014, organised by the Office of the Government Chief Information Officer and The Hong Kong Institution of Engineers.

EMSD always puts customers' needs first. During the system design period, we proactively helped CSD integrate both the new and old security systems, making them complementary to each other. Ms Chung Chi-lan, Senior Superintendent (Works and Planning) of CSD was highly appreciative of the professionalism and comprehensive E&M services and consultancy. She commented, "The full backup from EMSD has helped us in maintaining our normal day-to-day operations without any disruption."

Ms Chung's compliment highlights our ability to provide high quality service to a client venue where seamless, reliable support round the clock is of utmost importance. The award and recognition from professional institutions as well as the client department were an extra bonus for the project team.