24 July
The Department of Corrections reiterated the facts on segregation in prison today.
Prison Services Assistant General Manager Leanne Field said the Department has a responsibility to safely and securely house prisoners during their sentence.
“The bottom line is that we run a safe and effective operation all year round while housing some of the country’s most unpredictable people,” says Mrs Field.
“Our prisons are run extremely well, 24-hours-a-day, by dedicted and knowledgable staff.
“Prisoners are placed in segregation if they feel they are at risk from other prisoners, for the good order of the prison or if we believe that the prisoner is at risk from other prisoners.
“The majority of segregated prisoners are in voluntary segregation - where prisoners feel they are at risk. These prisoners are placed in units where they can mix with other segregated prisoners. Prisoners in segregation, like any other prisoner around the country, have clear expectations explained to them about their behaviour.
“If they breach the rules in any way they can expect disciplinary action. This can include moving them out of segregation and back into the mainstream prison population.
“Incidents involving segregated prisoners are rare.
“We have fantastic staff around the country who do a superb job with what can be a very difficult group of people.
“Recent reporting of regular murders is grossly incorrect. Deaths in custody are rare and there have been very few murders.”
ENDS
Note to reporter:
The Department will not be commenting any further at this time.
Please find further information on segregation below:
As at yesterday there were 2334 of 8274 prisoners, or approximately 28% of the prison population segregated from the general prison population. Prisoners can be segregated for a variety of reasons, including if they feel at risk from other prisoners, or if their behaviour makes it necessary.
Directed Segregation
Directed segregation is applied when the Prison Manager has concern for the safety of a prisoner. The Prison Manager can direct the prisoner to be placed on segregation, away from the general prison population. Prisoners will remain on directed segregation until the Prison Manager believes their safety is no longer at risk.
Voluntary Segregation
When a prisoner expresses concern for their safety, the Department has a duty to ensure prisoners are housed safely and securely. Therefore any prisoner who fears for their safety can be placed on segregation for a specified length of time, away from the general prison population. Prisoners on voluntary or directed segregation are usually able to mix freely with other segregated prisoners. The vast majority of prisoners are segregated at their own request.
Segregation for good order and safety
Segregation for the purpose of good order and safety is used where a prisoner is considered a threat to other prisoners, or presents an unnecessary disruption to the good order and safety of the prison. The decision to place a prisoner on segregation for good order and safety is made by the Prison Manager and can be for a period of up to three months. After this time the decision must be reviewed by a Visiting Justice.
For further information contact the Communications Services Desk:
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