Each year 350,000 prisoners are escorted by Prison Services for various purposes, such as Court appearances, hospital visits or prison transfers.
Corrections’ prisoner transportation project is working to ensure that prisoners are moved safely, securely and in a humane manner.
The information and processes used to prepare escorts have already been streamlined to improve decisionmaking, and further changes, including the introduction of waist restraints, will be implemented early next year. Following trials, Corrections has selected a preferred waist restraint and has started negotiations with the supplier. During the trials, Corrections officers saw a reduction in prisoner intimidation during escorts and less graffiti in the vans.
Waist restraints will be introduced in February 2008, and at the same time, seat squabs will be fitted to escort vehicles to improve prisoner comfort. Also from February, compulsory rest breaks after four hours travelling, will be required for long journeys. Secure locations must be used for these rest breaks so prisoners can leave the vehicle, stretch their legs and go to the toilet.
Corrections is also investigating a new design for prison vans, with decisions on a new standard expected in mid-2008.
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ISSN 1178-8453