Games room proposed for maximum security jail to encourage good behaviour
AN amusement arcade has been proposed for a new maximum security prison to calm tensions among inmates forced to sleep in 26-man dormitories. The plan is part of an incentive-based scheme to encourage good behaviour and simmer tensions in jail.
NSW
Don't miss out on the headlines from NSW. Followed categories will be added to My News.
AN amusement arcade has been proposed for a new maximum security prison to calm tensions among inmates forced to sleep in 26-man dormitories.
The recreation room and arcade, featuring gaming machines alongside activities such as table tennis, would be part of an incentive-based scheme to encourage good behaviour among inmates at the new “campus-style” Hunter Correctional Centre in Cessnock, which opens in two weeks.
But in an unfortunate twist, one of the gaming machines bought for the centre has already been removed after it was discovered to show the image of a topless woman.
Incentives will be a critical tool to keep order at the prison, one of two rapid-builds commissioned by the state government to address an overcrowding crisis.
Officers are nervous about the dormitory-style set-up, with inmates sleeping and eating with 25 others rather than sharing two or three to a cell as happens in other jails.
Corrective Services has ramped up staff numbers to keep inmates under control, with almost one officer for every two inmates.
MORE: STATE’S NEWEST MAX SECURITY WOMEN’S JAIL
MORE: PRISON STAFF PAID TO GUARD EMPTY CELLS
MORE: NEW OPERATORS FOR SCANDAL-PLAGUED PARKLEA JAIL
A mediation team with access to chemical agents will also be deployed around the clock should in case of violence.
Despite the precautions, some officers say if there is trouble lockdowns will be more difficult.
To help keep order, it was proposed to use one of two multi-faith rooms as a “gaming arcade” to complement a recreation room where inmates pay for the privilege of using the facilities.
Only inmates who achieve a “high standard of participation” throughout the day would be able to take part in recreational activities.
“The activities area is to encourage prosocial behaviour among inmates,” a prison source said.
But officers became concerned about a “retro-style” machine that arrived in December when the image of a topless woman appeared on the screen when it was turned on.
“It was decided it was not appropriate and that particular game and any others that could cause concerns were removed,” the source said.
While traditional jails take several years to build the dormitory-style prisons can be completed in under two years, with another being opened at Wellington.
State opposition corrections spokesman Guy Zangari claimed the “untested” dormitory-style prison was putting the welfare and safety of staff at risk.
“New security systems that don’t work, questionable external cladding, untested dormitory-style accommodation — the pop-up prison will certainly put the health and welfare of staff at potential risk,” he said.
A Corrective Services spokeswoman confirmed plans to install electronic recreational games at the prison. However, yesterday she said the proposal had since been scrapped.
The jail is set to open on January 30.