Legislators yesterday defended their right to make surprise visits to prisons after correctional services staff claimed the checks undermined morale.
Emily Lau Wai-hing of The Frontier visited Tung Tau Correctional Institution in Stanley on Tuesday without prior notice in her capacity as a justice of the peace.
She said she wanted to meet prisoners who had complained to her about having their letters read by staff. She was not allowed in at first as the duty officer said she had not given advance notice.
She then talked to the Commissioner of Correctional Services, Ng Ching-kwok, by telephone and was let in.
Wong Wai-hung, chairman of the Correctional Services Officers' Association, said yesterday that JPs could only visit prisons after making arrangements in advance.
'We are very angry as this isn't the first time. We can't stand it anymore,' said Mr Wong.