The Post-Release Supervision Board (the Board) considers each case on its own merits in determining the length of supervision. However, the supervision period shall be no longer than the remitted part of the prisoner's sentence according to section 7(1)(c) of the Post-Release Supervision of Prisoners Ordinance (the Ordinance). In accordance with section 24 of the Ordinance, the supervision period imposed on prisoners sentenced before the commencement date of the Ordinance, i.e. 30 November 1996, shall not exceed a period equal to half the period from the commencement date to the date of release, or six months, whichever is the greater. Depending on the circumstances of individual prisoners, the length of supervision normally ranges from a period of six months to two years, although where the Board considers it appropriate or necessary a shorter or longer period may be imposed. In general, a minimum supervision period of six months is needed to provide adequate time for the supervising officers to guide and assist supervisees to reintegrate effectively into society as law-abiding citizens.
The Board takes account of a prisoner's age and background, previous convictions, nature of the index offence, sense of remorse, behaviour in prison, family support, physical and mental condition and any other relevant factors before coming to a decision as to what is the best for the prisoner and the public interest. In addition, the Correctional Services Department distributes a booklet on the Post-Release Supervision of Prisoners Scheme (the Scheme) and the Board issues an information note on the factors to be considered in determining the length of supervision period to eligible prisoners well before their cases are considered to enhance their understanding of the Scheme.
A supervisee has to comply with the conditions set out in his supervision order, including the conditions that he shall be of good behaviour, reside at an address approved by his supervising officer, undertake only such employment as approved and meet with his supervising officer at least once a month and so on. Depending on individual circumstances, the Board may impose additional conditions, such as the requirement for receiving psychiatric and/or psychological follow-up treatment.