CCTV catches guard in sex act as misconduct scandal rocks jail

Insiders at the Townsville jail have lifted the lid on an alarming incident where a male guard was allegedly caught on CCTV performing a sex act in front of a female co-worker.

The Townsville Correctional Complex. Picture: Evan Morgan

Insiders at the Townsville jail have lifted the lid on an alarming incident where a male guard was allegedly caught on CCTV pleasuring himself in front of a female co-worker.

Sources within the Townsville Correctional Centre describe a toxic culture, especially towards female staff members, with concerns about harassment and fear of retaliation.

It comes after a shocking incident occurred in July when a male guard was allegedly caught on CCTV masturbating in front of a female guard.

The incident reportedly took place in the early hours of the morning, when the pair were supervising the safety unit in the men’s jail.

It is understood they were alone at the time and the woman took stress leave after the incident.

Queensland Corrective Services (QCS) has confirmed that the male officer was suspended for four weeks after it first came to light, and he is now no longer employed.

Inside of the Townsville Correctional Centre. Picture: Zak Simmonds

An insider at the correctional centre expressed disappointment but not surprise at the allegations.

“It’s disgusting, the scandals out there. There’s a real culture of ‘don’t dob in an officer or you’ll be ostracised,’ you know, and especially women,” the source claimed.

“I’ve got women I spoke to, and they were too scared to come forward because they know it’s a boys’ club out there.”

In response to the mounting allegations, a spokesman for QCS reaffirmed that sexual harassment would not be tolerated within the organisation.

The spokesman highlighted the creation of a dedicated statewide team, led by an Assistant Commissioner, to handle such allegations and provide support to those reporting misconduct.

“Anti-bullying and anti-harassment training is included in the mandatory training for all QCS employees and being rolled out across the agency,” the spokesman said.

Inside the Townsville Correctional Centre. Picture: Evan Morgan

“Specific supervisor/manager modules are included in this package of training to ensure they know their obligations and are equipped to manage complaints of harassment and appropriately support officers who report.”

The spokesman also emphasised that officers are encouraged to report any instances of harassment or bullying through official channels.

“QCS takes a trauma-informed and person-centred approach to its response to sexual harassment,” he said, stressing that this behaviour “has no place in our workplaces.”

Originally published as CCTV catches guard in sex act as misconduct scandal rocks jail