I was shocked and saddened to hear about the serious assaults on two Corrections officers while going about their duties recently. My thoughts are with them and their families.
Those that work for the Department of Corrections, and indeed in the wider justice sector, know that prisons are a volatile environment.
There recent incidents have encouraged much discussion both internally and in the media about how custodial staff are protected, and how people believe they should be protected.
Of course any such discussion needs to bear in mind that there is a significant body of Corrections staff that deal with a potentially dangerous body of offenders in an uncontrolled environment on a daily basis.
The possible risks faced by all Corrections staff, and the differing environments in which they work need to be carefully considered.
Community work supervisors may regularly go out with a team of offenders that have access to a range of work tools.
Similarly, probation officers spend a large part of their time visiting the houses of the offenders that they are monitoring.
Often these offenders can be those that have just been released from prison and are continuing serving their terms for more serious offences.
So, I think it is very important to remember that there is no ‘quick fix’ and no ‘sure fire solution’ in our line of work.
Careful thinking needs to be done about how the security needs of all of Corrections staff are met.
Each possible safety device or piece of protective gear has to be considered both on how it will offer staff protection, but also how it can be used against them should it come to be in the wrong hands.
Calls for staff to be permanently armed with pepper spray, or tasers goes against what is considered international best practice in prisons, and there is no evidence that these would be effective tools in the community.
I believe that the best protection Corrections staff have is how they undertake their work with offenders.
Corrections’ operating philosophy encourages staff to focus on positively influencing and encouraging offenders to make positive changes in their lives.
This means staff understanding the specific risks and needs of each offender in their area of responsibility, be it a first time offender on home detention or an offender serving a long prison sentence.
Of course I appreciate Corrections staff are dealing with difficult people and sometimes things do go wrong.
I would like to assure you that the Department is working with frontline staff and unions to establish the best possible solution.
As Chief Executive I have to consider what is best for all Corrections staff, and I will keep you updated with progress.
Barry Matthews
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ISSN 1178-8453