Subpar conditions for prisoners in transit
A recent report has recommended prison services improve standards, with female inmates forced to urinate in vomit bags in transit.
Tasmania
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PRISONERS being transported between custodial facilities in the state’s south and north spend up to four hours without access to toilet facilities, the Custodial Inspector says.
Prisoners in inmate transport vehicles end up urinating in their transport pods or into water bottles or vomit bags.
Custodial Inspector Richard Connock’s Environmental Health and Hygiene Inspection Report of the state’s adult prisons has been tabled in parliament.
“Due to safety and security issues, the escort vehicle is currently unable to stop to provide rest breaks for prisoners and this makes the journey difficult for them, particularly females.
“This has resulted in male prisoners urinating in the transport cell/pod.
“Vomit bags can be given to female prisoners to urinate in, however this is not easy and they don’t like to urinate on camera.
“If prisoners are urinating into their empty water bottles, transport staff have highlighted that there is a potential that it could be used as a weapon and injure staff.”
The report recommended that the Tasmanian Prison Service examine the possibility of introducing a rest break at Campbelltown Police Station for prisoners and staff during travel between Launceston and Hobart.
It also recommended the prison service put in place a cleaning schedule for the vehicle.
The report also highlighted problems with mould build-up in prisoners bedding and recommended regular inspection for defects, moisture and mould.
And it pointed out issues with cleaning at the Mersey Crisis Support Unit, including “food, blood and faeces splattered very high up the walls and onto the ceiling,” the report said.
“Any mess that can be reached by the wardsman with a mop falls back on their heads/face.”
The report made 22 recommendations for the prison services to improve standards surrounding bedding, food and personal hygiene.
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