C.03 Prisoner Transfers and Placements

Policy Standard

• Prisoners are transferred safely, humanely and securely, with correct documentation and in accordance with their sentence plans.

Performance Standards

1. Each prison has a selection process for identifying a prisoner’s potential for transfer, which includes consideration of the prisoner’s personal circumstances, current custodial status and sentence plan.
2. The Transferability Rating on IOMS is to be used for the above purpose.
3. Destination muster levels are considered before a transfer takes place.
4. Prisoners are placed in prisons that provide the level of security appropriate to their security classification.
5. The transfer of a prisoner is agreed to between the relevant prisons before the approval to transfer is given, or PS National Office requires that the transfer takes place.
6. Authority to transfer a prisoner is exercised at the appropriate delegated level.
7. A record of transfer is fully completed by the staff member authorising the transfer.
8. Prisoners are informed of an impending transfer, and the destination, at least seven days in advance, and are given a reasonable opportunity to inform their next of kin, unless there is reason in accordance with the Transfer Advice Requirement (C.03.01.R5) that this should not occur.
9. Relevant staff are told of the proposed transfer at least seven days in advance, except in exceptional circumstances.
10. A prisoner is informed of the reasons for any delay in their requested transfer occurring.
11. Correct documentation accompanies a prisoner on transfer.
12. Correct doses of prescribed medication for a prisoner are available during transit.
13. Prisoners on transfer do not suffer unnecessary discomfort.
14. As far as practicable a prisoner on transfer does not communicate with any member of the public.
15. As far as practicable a prisoner being transferred is not exposed to public view.