G.01.01 Managing Muster Levels (National Procedure)

Procedure Standard

• Approved strategies are actioned to manage the national muster.

Requirement

• R1 When Prisoner On or Off Muster

Procedure

1. The agreed operational maximum muster level is discussed and confirmed between the Regional Manager and Assistant General Manager (Operations).
2. The prison's muster is monitored each day.
3. The current musters and anticipated movements are analysed to predict the daily trends for the next week.
4. The national muster picture is analysed and that the national muster is actively managed to ensure that maximum agreed levels are not exceeded at any region.
5. Before 8.30am each day except Saturdays, Sundays and Public Holidays an email is sent to the National Office Muster Co-ordinator using email address "PS Musters" stating that day's prison muster prediction on the National Muster Co-ordination Form Input Sheet (NMCFIS). (A fax should only be used if email is unavailable) 
6. The information is collated and analysed to identify those prisons that exceed the agreed muster level and the number of vacant beds available in other prisons.
7. When a prison is likely to exceed its maximum muster immediate action should be taken by that prison to transfer prisoners to beds available at another prison. This will be achieved by the relevant Regional Movement Coordinator seeking placement(s) responsible for prisons that have vacancies available for those placements.
8. Regional Movement Coordinators should discuss all transfers with the Prison Manager of those prisons. While the Prison Manager holds the authority to direct the transfers it is expected the Prison Manager will support the Regional Movement Coordinator determined transfers unless there is an exceptional reason for refusing it.
9. In the case of disputes regarding transfers the National Manager Prisoner Movement can adjudicate and direct the transfer – subject to 10. below.
10. Where there is a dispute or refusal, by the Regional Manager (in relation to 9. above or 12. below) or Prison Manager (in relation to 8.above), the reason for refusing must be specified and forwarded to the AGM Operations for consideration. The AGM Operations decision shall be final.
11. The National Manager Prisoner Movement will help facilitate those transfers where necessary.
12. From a national muster perspective the National Manager Prisoner Movement can direct transfers between two prisons.
13. Key actions are to be relayed to the National Manager Prisoner Movement so the Manager National Systems and Security and / or the Assistant General Manager (Operations) can be kept informed.
14. The authorised actions are implemented.
15. National Manager Prisoner Movement may monitor national muster at 4.00pm each day except Saturdays and Sundays and Public Holidays, where required, to monitor implementation and strategy where national muster levels are exceeded and where necessary advises the Manager National Systems and Security and / or the Assistant General Manager (Operations).

Key Roles and Responsibilities

General Manager Prisons Service

• Authorises Assistant General Manager (Operations) to manage national muster levels.

Assistant General Manager (Operations)

1. Authorises, via the Manager Service Support, actions that the National Manager Prisoner Movement can make.
2. Confirms each prison’s operational maximum muster level.
3. Arbitrates in the case of any disputed movements.

Regional Manager

1. Authorises a designated officer to liaise with police (Corrections Liaison Officer) and court manager on muster predictions in the event that Police or Court cells might be needed or might be in use.
2. Has a designated officer (The Corrections Liaison Officer is expected to take an active role in this area) visit police cells on an as required basis.
3. Plans to use all available prison accommodation nationally.

National Manager Prisoner Movements

1. Analyses prison musters.
2. Has authority to take actions to manage musters
3. Discusses muster management strategies with Manager Service Support.

National Prisoner Movements Coordinator

1. Manages section 34 requirements.
2. Collates and analyses the national muster form.
3. Provides operational support for the National Manager Prisoner Movements. 

Regional Movement Coordinator

1. Analyses prison musters.
2. Takes approved actions to manage musters.
3. Provides all of the active day-to-day management of the muster in the region.
4. Keeps the National Manager Prisoner Movement informed of any significant issues.

Unit Manager / Regional Muster Coordinator

1. Monitors prison muster level.
2. Ensures accurate muster statistics are provided to National Muster Co-ordinator by 8.30am each day excluding Saturday, Sunday and Public Holidays.
3. Complies with transfer instructions from the National and Regional Movement Coordinator and National Manager Prisoner Movement.

Corrections Liaison Officers

1. PS managers from each site / region appointed to improve communication and co-operation between Police and Corrections at Regional and District Levels.
2. Maintain the interfacing relationship of their region with the relevant local police region via the Police Relationship Manager in their region.