The Department was heavily involved with the problem of refugees and illegal immigrants. The change in policy for dealing with illegal immigrants resulted in a number of persons being imprisoned prior to their repatriation. Prison officers continued to assist in caring for many of the Vietnamese refugees arriving in Hong Kong. In May 1980, Tai Tam Gap began operation as a correctional institution for females, fulfilling a dual role as a training center and prison; it accommodates 160. On December 31, 1980, the Department controlled 18 penal institutions, a halfway house, and a staff training institute. On that date, 9,170 prisoners were held, compared to 10,395 at the same time in 1979. Legislation was enacted to provide for the supervision of young offenders for up to 12 months following their release from prison. A total of 3,696 young offenders have participated in the detention center program since June 1972. Of these, 94.97 percent have completed the 12 months supervision without reconviction. Drug addiction treatment centers continued to provide an alternative to imprisonment and a treatment program for offenders found to be drug dependent. The treatment period in such centers ranges from 4 to 12 months. A new earnings scheme for inmates was introduced during the year. It provides for payments for work in accordance with the skill, responsibility, and experience required for each job. Extensive tabular data are provided on finances, offenders, and corrections services.