Custodial Inspector (CI)

A Briefing Document

This briefing document reviews key themes and important facts from various reports and documents concerning Tasmania's adult and youth custodial services. The information provided offers insights into the operational landscape, challenges, and initiatives undertaken within Tasmania's correctional facilities.

​

In undertaking this research and producing the deep dive all CI report to August 2024 were accessed..

​

I. Jurisdiction and Facilities

The Custodial Inspector of Tasmania has jurisdiction over all custodial centers in the state, encompassing both adult prisons under the Corrections Act 1997 and youth detention centers under the Youth Justice Act 1997.

• Adult Custodial Centers: Risdon Prison Complex (RPC): Includes maximum security, medium security, and the Southern Remand Centre.

• Ron Barwick Prison (RBP)

• Mary Hutchinson Women’s Prison (MHWP): Tasmania's sole female prison, accommodating minimum, medium, and maximum security levels.

• Hobart Reception Prison (HRP)

• Launceston Reception Prison (LRP)

• Youth Custodial Center: Ashley Youth Detention Centre (AYDC): Operated by the Department for Children, Education, Young People and Families (DECYP).

The Tasmania Prison Service (TPS) operates the adult custodial centers, while DECYP manages AYDC. The Custodial Inspector's oversight extends to prisoner and detainee transport vehicles as well.

​

II. Capacity and Utilisation

Analysis of capacity utilization reveals that Tasmanian prisons operate at a high utilization rate. For instance, as of 2021, the total actual capacity for men was 704 with a utilization rate of 87%, while for women, the total actual capacity was 83 with a utilization rate of 66%. This high utilization rate raises concerns about potential overcrowding and its impact on prisoner wellbeing.

• Cell Size Standards: Most custodial centers do not fully meet Tasmanian Inspection Standards for minimum cell size, with exceptions noted mainly in HRP and RPC.

• Temporary Beds: A significant number of "temporary" beds are utilized in double or triple cells, suggesting a potential strain on existing infrastructure.

 

III. Mental Health Services

Mental health provision within Tasmanian custodial centers is a significant area of concern. Reports highlight:

• High Prevalence of Mental Health Issues: There is a high prevalence of mental health conditions among prisoners, with the need for dedicated mental health care exceeding current capacity.

• Staffing and Resource Constraints: A lack of dedicated mental health professionals within the prison system is a recurring theme. While the establishment of a mental health team was welcomed in recent reports, ongoing resource allocation remains crucial.

• Lockdowns Impacting Access to Care: Frequent lockdowns within prisons, particularly at RPC, hinder access to mental health services and negatively impact prisoner well-being.

• Continuity of Care: Issues regarding the continuity of mental health care for prisoners transitioning back into the community are evident. Establishing robust partnerships with community mental health providers is critical to ensure ongoing support.

 

IV. Key Operational Challenges

Several operational challenges are identified across different reports:

• Drug Use: Drug use within prisons remains a concern. While urine analysis is in place to detect drug use, the system relies heavily on random testing and intelligence gathering. Addressing the supply and demand dynamics within the prison environment is essential.

• Dry Cell Usage: Concerns regarding the use of dry cells for suspected contraband concealment are raised. While dry cells serve a security purpose, their use raises ethical considerations, especially concerning female inmates subjected to extended periods in these cells due to the nature of bodily functions.

• Food and Nutrition: Food quality and nutritional value are consistently flagged. Issues include:

• Limited Fresh Produce: Inadequate access to fresh fruit, vegetables, and healthy alternatives within prison meals is noted.

• Over-reliance on Processed Foods: Overuse of processed and salted meats in sandwiches raises concerns about long-term health impacts.

• Kitchen Standards: Kitchens within the prison system are required to meet commercial kitchen standards under the Food Act 2003. However, challenges in achieving these standards pose limitations on food preparation and service.

• Communication Costs: High call costs for prisoners using the Arunta telephone system contribute to financial burden and limit communication with family and support networks.

 

V. Recommendations and Initiatives

Several recommendations and initiatives are proposed across the reviewed reports:

• Mental Health Unit: The establishment of a dedicated mental health unit within the prison system to serve as a step-down facility for prisoners returning from hospitalization and to provide dedicated care for those requiring intensive support.

• Multi-Agency Collaboration: Developing a multi-agency interdisciplinary model for Alcohol and Other Drug (AOD) service provision, extending into the community and leveraging the expertise of community providers through contracts and Service Level Agreements (SLAs).

• Female-Specific Programming: Reviewing and revising existing criminogenic programs to cater specifically to the needs of female prisoners, including the development of female-specific drug and alcohol counseling programs.

• Prisoner Clothing: Improving the quality and management of clothing provided to prisoners, ensuring adequate stock, quality control measures, and access to suitable discharge clothing for those lacking civilian clothing.

• Canteen Services: Expanding the range of hobby and leisure items available through the prison canteen to promote positive engagement and reduce boredom.

• Property Management: Exploring options for a centrally located property area and a centralized system for managing and tracking prisoner property to enhance efficiency and accountability.

 

VI. Ongoing Monitoring and Evaluation

Continued monitoring and evaluation of the Tasmanian custodial system are crucial. Regular inspections, reviews, and data analysis are essential to identify emerging challenges, assess the effectiveness of implemented initiatives, and ensure continuous improvement in the well-being and rehabilitation of prisoners within Tasmania's correctional facilities.

​

The Deep Dive summary has been limited to Adult Inspector and Annual Report data.